The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in football, bringing together the best teams from around the world. However, not every country is allowed to participate in this event. In this article, we will look at seven countries that have been banned from the World Cup.
1. South Africa
South Africa was banned from the World Cup between 1960 and 1990 due to the country’s apartheid policies. The ban was lifted in 1991, and South Africa was allowed to participate in the 1994 World Cup.
2. Iraq
Iraq was banned from the 1994 World Cup due to the country’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The ban was lifted in 1998, and Iraq was able to participate in the 2002 World Cup.
3. Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia was banned from the 1994 World Cup due to the country’s involvement in the Bosnian War. The ban was lifted in 1998, and Yugoslavia was able to participate in the 2002 World Cup under the name Serbia and Montenegro.
4. Kuwait
Kuwait was banned from the 2018 World Cup due to government interference in the country’s football association. The ban was lifted in 2020, and Kuwait was able to participate in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
5. Indonesia
Indonesia was banned from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers due to government interference in the country’s football association. The ban was lifted in 2017, and Indonesia was able to participate in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
6. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe was banned from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers due to unpaid debts to former national team coach Jose Claudinei Georgini. The ban was lifted in 2019, and Zimbabwe was able to participate in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
7. Brunei
Brunei was banned from the 2022 World Cup qualifiers due to government interference in the country’s football association. The ban is still in place, and Brunei will not be able to participate in the 2022 World Cup.
The World Cup is an event that brings together the best football teams from around the world. However, not every country is allowed to participate in the tournament. South Africa, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Kuwait, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, and Brunei have all been banned from the World Cup at different times for various reasons. These bans serve as a reminder that football is not just a game but also a reflection of the world’s political, social, and economic realities.
