By Sports Editor
FIFA has suspended the football federations of two additional countries, Pakistan and Congo, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
These suspensions come on top of the existing ban on Russia, bringing the total number of barred nations to three.
As the most anticipated international football competition, the World Cup is held every four years and will return in the summer of 2026.
Reigning champions Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, will aim to defend their title, while teams such as France, England—now under newly appointed coach Thomas Tuchel—and Euro 2024 winners Spain will be among the top contenders seeking to dethrone them.
Russia’s ongoing ban and new FIFA suspensions
Russia has remained banned from international competitions since 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine, with FIFA and UEFA jointly upholding the restriction. Now, FIFA has expanded its list of banned nations, suspending the football associations of Pakistan and Congo due to what it describes as “serious circumstances.”
Congo’s Ban: third-party interference
The Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) has been suspended due to alleged third-party interference in its operations—an act that directly violates FIFA’s regulations. A statement from FIFA confirmed: “FECOFOOT has been suspended with immediate effect due to a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties in the affairs of the organization, which constitutes a clear violation of FECOFOOT’s obligations in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.”
FIFA, in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), made the decision after conducting two investigative missions in Brazzaville. However, FIFA has left the door open for Congo’s reinstatement, provided certain conditions are met, including restoring full control of the federation’s headquarters and facilities to FECOFOOT before 2026.
Pakistan’s ban: constitutional violations
Pakistan’s suspension stems from its failure to implement a revised football constitution that guarantees fair and democratic elections within its football governing body. FIFA has previously sanctioned the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) in both 2017 and 2021 due to similar governance issues.
In its statement regarding the latest suspension, FIFA clarified: “The suspension will only be lifted subject to the PFF Congress approving the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the AFC.”
Pakistan’s previous suspension was lifted in June 2022 after the federation regained full control of its premises and financial operations. However, the failure to enact necessary reforms has once again led to FIFA’s intervention.
Impact on World Cup Qualification
Congo currently sits at the bottom of Group E in CAF’s World Cup qualification standings, significantly diminishing their hopes of making it to the 2026 tournament. Pakistan, on the other hand, has already concluded its AFC qualification campaign, finishing at the foot of Group G under coach Stephen Constantine.
With FIFA maintaining a strict stance on governance and regulatory compliance, these bans underscore the organization’s commitment to upholding integrity in international football. Whether Pakistan and Congo can meet FIFA’s requirements in time for reinstatement remains to be seen
