Since 1950, a total of 17 nations, including Nigeria, have been subjected to bans from participating in the World Cup.
Recently, Pakistan and Congo have been added to this list, disallowing them from competing in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Russia has faced a ban since 2022, marking a continuation of FIFA's history of imposing such sanctions.
The following is a compilation of countries that have experienced bans from the World Cup:
Germany & Japan (1950): Both nations were prohibited from the 1950 World Cup as a result of their actions during World War II.
South Africa (1970–1990): Due to its apartheid policies, South Africa was expelled from FIFA in 1976 and missed five World Cups. The ban was lifted in 1991 with the end of apartheid.
Mexico (1990): Mexico was banned from all FIFA competitions for two years after fielding overage players in a youth tournament, resulting in their absence from the 1990 World Cup.
Chile (1994): Following an incident where goalkeeper Roberto Rojas faked an injury in a 1989 match against Brazil, Chile was banned, and Rojas received a lifetime ban, which was later rescinded in 2001.
Myanmar (2006): Myanmar was disqualified from qualifying after withdrawing from a 2002 qualifier against Iran.
Iraq (2008): Iraq faced a temporary ban after the dissolution of its Olympic committee and sports federations.
Nigeria (2014): Nigeria was suspended due to governmental interference in its football federation.
Kuwait (2015): Kuwait was barred for political interference, a persistent issue in their football governance.
Indonesia (2015): Indonesia faced suspension for similar reasons as Kuwait.
Guatemala (2016): Guatemala was banned due to government interference in football operations.
Pakistan (2017, 2021 & 2025): Pakistan has been suspended multiple times due to governance issues within its football federation.
Chad (2021): Chad was barred because of government interference in football matters.
Russia (2022 & 2026): Following the invasion of Ukraine, Russia was banned, preventing its participation in two World Cups.
Zimbabwe (2022): The country's football federation was dissolved by the government-appointed Sports and Recreation Commission, leading to a suspension.
Kenya (2022): The football federation faced a ban as a result of financial mismanagement, but was subsequently reinstated.
Congo (2025): The nation has recently been prohibited from participating due to external interference within its football federation.