Three Countries Banned From Playing at 2026 World Cup, One is From Africa

• FIFA has suspended the football associations of two more countries, adding to Russia’s existing ban ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America
• Pakistan and Congo have been barred due to governance issues and third-party interference, violating FIFA statutes
• With the tournament approaching, these suspensions mean the three nations will be absent from the global event

FIFA has officially suspended the football federations of two more countries ahead of the 2026 World Cup, joining Russia in being barred from international competition.

The tournament, set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will see Argentina defending their title, while major footballing nations like France, England, and Spain will battle for glory.

As the highly anticipated tournament approaches, FIFA has immediately suspended the football federations of Pakistan and Congo due to "serious circumstances," effectively barring both nations from competing.However, Pakistan, Congo, and Russia will not be among the competing teams.

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Russia remains banned due to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, a decision upheld by both FIFA and UEFA.

Why FIFA banned Congo

Meanwhile, the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) has been suspended due to third-party interference, violating FIFA regulations.

FIFA has stated that Congo’s ban may be lifted if conditions, including full control of the federation’s headquarters, are restored.

A FIFA statement read:

FECOFOOT has been suspended with immediate effect due to a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties in the affairs of the organisation, which constitutes a clear violation of FECOFOOT’s obligations in accordance with the FIFA Statutes. The decision was taken in consultation with CAF after two FIFA/CAF missions were dispatched to Brazzaville.

As things stand, Congo currently reside rock bottom of Group E in the CAF qualification section.

A potential silver lining for Congo is that FIFA may lift the suspension if certain conditions are met, including restoring full control of the federation’s headquarters and other facilities to FECOFOOT before 2026.

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Why Pakistan has been banned

Pakistan’s suspension comes as a result of its failure to revise its constitution to ensure fair and democratic elections within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).

This marks the third time Pakistan has faced a FIFA ban, with previous suspensions occurring in 2017 and 2021.

Regarding Pakistan’s ban, FIFA stated that the suspension will only be lifted if the PFF Congress approves the revised constitution proposed by FIFA and the AFC.

As it stands, Pakistan’s group, however, has already come to an end with Stephen Constantine’s men finishing at the foot of Group G in the AFC qualification section.

Why Ghana could face similar ban

Ghanaian journalist Derrick Ayim has warned that Ghana could face a similar ban from FIFA if there is third-party interference in Ghana Football Association (GFA) affairs.

He advised the newly appointed Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, to refrain from imposing directives on the GFA to avoid potential sanctions from the global football governing body.

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Ayim stressed the importance of allowing the GFA to operate independently, in line with FIFA regulations, to prevent any risk of suspension.

"FIFA is very strict when it comes to government interference in football matters. If the Sports Minister tries to impose decisions on the GFA, Ghana could suffer the same fate as Pakistan and Congo. Kofi Adams must respect the autonomy of the GFA to avoid unnecessary sanctions," he told YEN.com.gh.

Adebayor sponsors education of 2 young farmers

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Emmanuel Adebayor continues to make a lasting impact in his homeland, Togo, through his philanthropic efforts.

The 2008 African Player of the Year has taken a step further by sponsoring the education of two young farmers working under his initiative.

Source: YEN.com.gh