FIFA has suspended the football federations of Congo and Pakistan, effectively barring both nations from participating in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

This brings the total number of countries banned from international football competitions to three, with Russia having been suspended since 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine.

The suspension of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) stems from “serious circumstances” involving undue third-party interference in the federation’s affairs, a clear violation of FIFA statutes.

“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,” a FIFA statement confirmed.

The decision was made in consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following two joint FIFA/CAF missions to Brazzaville.

FECOFOOT’s suspension will be lifted only after it fulfils certain conditions, including returning full control of its headquarters and facilities to the federation.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has been suspended for failing to implement a revised constitution that guarantees fair and democratic elections, a crucial requirement for maintaining good governance within the federation.

This is not the first time Pakistan has faced FIFA sanctions. Previous suspensions were imposed in 2017 and 2021 due to similar governance issues.

“The suspension will only be lifted subject to the PFF Congress approving the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the AFC,” the FIFA statement clarified.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2026, with reigning champions Argentina aiming to defend their title against strong contenders such as France, England, and Spain.