7 Countries Excluded from World Cup After FIFA Blocks Their Participation
- Seven nations are currently barred from the World Cup qualifiers as FIFA does not officially recognise them
- Some of the countries are working towards global football membership, but are facing major resource challenges
- Despite having football traditions, these nations remain excluded from global competitions like the World Cup
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Despite its name, the FIFA World Cup does not offer every territory or country the opportunity to compete for a place on the international stage.
As preparations for the 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico, and Canada continue, a total of 210 nations have entered the qualification process.
Some countries are still excluded from global football due to a lack of official FIFA recognition, and YEN.com.gh has considered these nations.
Source: Getty Images
For instance, Congo missed two World Cup qualification fixtures earlier this year after FIFA suspended their football association, FECOFOOT, as reported by Reuters. The African nation will continue with its remaining matches despite no chance of advancing.
Eritrea, meanwhile, withdrew from qualification altogether before the campaign began. According to The Guardian, via The BBC, this decision stemmed from fears that players would seek political asylum abroad, given the challenging conditions in their home country.
Despite this, the African remains an officially recognised FIFA member and can return to international football when they choose.
In contrast, seven territories are entirely ineligible to compete in World Cup qualifiers as they are not recognised by FIFA. These nations or territories, despite often having active football teams or associations, are excluded from the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Source: AFP
7 football nations missing FIFA World Cup
1. Vatican City
Football has existed within the domain of the Catholic Church for centuries, with records dating back centuries, per Inside FIFA. Despite this the Vatican is not a recognised member of FIFA or UEFA.
The men's and women's teams frequently play friendly matches, often against local Italian clubs, and football remains a popular pastime among residents of the Vatican City, including past Popes.
The successor of the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, is also known for his passion for sports, including tennis, football, and baseball, and recently expressed support for Serie A side AS Roma.
2. Federated States of Micronesia
Micronesia's footballing ambitions remain stifled by logistical and resource challenges. In 2023, the country organised a futsal competition, supported by British writer Paul Watson, to promote the sport and push for FIFA membership.
However, their competitive record underscores the difficulties they face. During the 2015 Pacific Games, Micronesia's under-23 side suffered heavy defeats, conceding 114 goals across three matches, including a 46-0 loss to Vanuatu.
3. Nauru
Nauru, one of the world's smallest nations, is considered among the closest to securing membership with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), with efforts underway to revive grassroots football on the island.
Former Reading star Dave Kitson has shown support for the project, and there have been plans for a friendly match against a Reading XI, with progress made despite this game not yet materialising, per Football Oceania.
4. Monaco
Despite its prominence in elite sports such as Formula 1 and the global reputation of AS Monaco in French football, the Principality of Monaco is not recognised by FIFA or UEFA.
Consequently, their national football team cannot compete in World Cups or European Championships and largely consists of local workers, with only a few boasting professional football experience.
5. Palau
Palau ranks as the 16th smallest country globally and currently holds the unenviable title of the second-worst football nation, per the ELO Ratings system, with only Easter Samoa behind.
Their only organised league, the Palau Soccer League, resumed in October 2024, although the country lacks a professional football infrastructure beyond its solitary dedicated football pitch.
6. Kiribati
Kiribati’s football history dates back to 1979, with participation in regional tournaments. However, their men’s team has not played competitively since 2011, and the women’s side has been inactive since 2003.
The island nation was expected to feature in the 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup, a competition for unrecognised territories, but financial constraints forced them to withdraw.
7. Tuvalu
Tuvalu has distinguished itself by maintaining both men's and women's football leagues, as well as regularly participating in the Pacific Games.
The nation is an active member of CONIFA, and some of its footballers have featured in Australia's A-League. Their top scorer, Alopou Petoa, has also played in New Zealand’s top amateur league.
Qualified teams for World Cup 2026
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on all qualified World Cup teams for the 2026 edition, including the joint host countries of Canada, the US, and Mexico.
While teams from other continents have begun booking places, the UEFA qualification series kicked off in March 2025 and resumes in September.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
