The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Starting with this tournament, FIFA will increase the number of participating teams to 48, offering more opportunities for nations to compete.
FIFA bans Russia, Congo, and Pakistan from the 2026 World Cup (Image: FIFA).
However, three teams—Russia, Congo, and Pakistan—are banned from participating in the tournament. Last year, FIFA and UEFA decided to continue banning the Russian team from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian team has been barred from major competitions by both FIFA and UEFA.
The draw for the European World Cup 2026 qualifiers took place last December. Russia was the only UEFA member not invited to participate in the qualifiers. The remaining 54 teams were divided into 12 groups.
Most recently, FIFA decided to ban Congo and Pakistan from the 2026 World Cup as well. The organization provided specific reasons for each case.
According to FIFA, the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) was suspended due to “serious third-party interference in the organization’s activities.” This violated FIFA regulations.
FIFA’s statement reads: “FECOFOOT is immediately suspended due to serious third-party interference in its activities, which breaches its obligations under FIFA regulations. This decision follows two inspections conducted by FIFA and CAF in Brazzaville.”
The inspections revealed that the authorities in Brazzaville established a special committee to oversee FECOFOOT. FIFA believes Congo allowed political involvement in football governance.
The Russian team continues to be banned from the 2026 World Cup (Image: NYT).
FIFA stated that the ban on Congo will only be lifted if the following conditions are met:
Returning control of the headquarters to the Congolese Football Federation.
Ending all efforts to change the bank account signing authority of FECOFOOT.
Ensuring FECOFOOT operates without any third-party influence.
Making important decisions through a special committee.
Meanwhile, Pakistan faces a similar ban. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has repeatedly been subject to third-party interference, controlling its operations. This led to the federation failing to approve a revised constitution aimed at ensuring a fair and democratic election.
FIFA’s announcement states: “The suspension will only be lifted if the PFF General Assembly approves the PFF Statutes presented by FIFA and AFC.”
Notably, PFF had previously been banned twice in 2017 and 2021 due to similar governance disputes. The latest ban was lifted in June 2022 when PFF regained control over its headquarters and finances.
In addition to being banned from the 2026 World Cup, Pakistan may lose its right to participate in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. They are in Group E with Syria, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. If Pakistan cannot participate, Cambodia is likely to take their place.
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