New Delhi: FIFA has banned Pakistan from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, ruling the nation out of international football due to serious governance failures. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) failed to implement a FIFA-approved constitution, leading to an indefinite suspension. However, Pakistan is not the only nation affected—Congo’s football federation, FECOFOOT, has also been banned due to external interference in its affairs.
This marks another major setback for Pakistan, a country that has struggled with football governance for years. The national team, already eliminated from the qualification process, now faces total isolation from international football. Meanwhile, Congo’s suspension follows concerns raised by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over political interference in the country’s football affairs.
FIFA bans Pakistan and Congo over governance issues
Former PPP MPA Syed Zahir Ali Shah (KPk FA) and PMLN MPA Naveed Aslam Lodhi (Punjab FA) are among the main opponents of the changes to PFF Constitution demanded by FIFA.
This has brought Pakistan another ban and puts international football participation at risk. pic.twitter.com/w1qRmg2DSR
— FootballPakistan.com (@FootballPak) February 10, 2025
FIFA’s decision to suspend Pakistan is tied to the PFF’s failure to adopt a revised constitution designed to ensure fair and democratic elections. The global governing body had been overseeing reforms within Pakistan’s football structure, but after continued delays, FIFA ruled that the federation was not operating in compliance with its statutes.
In a statement, FIFA confirmed that the suspension will only be lifted if the PFF Congress formally approves the proposed constitution. Until then, Pakistan remains banned from all FIFA-sanctioned tournaments, including World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Cup.
For Pakistan, this is not an isolated issue. The country has faced FIFA suspensions multiple times due to internal conflicts and power struggles within the football federation. Despite having a passionate football fanbase, the national team has been unable to progress due to mismanagement at the highest level. With this latest ban, the road ahead looks even more uncertain.
Meanwhile, Congo’s situation is different but equally serious. FIFA, in consultation with CAF, found ‘undue interference by third parties’ in the Congolese Football Federation’s operations. Investigations revealed external influences affecting financial decisions and administrative control. As a result, FIFA imposed an immediate suspension, stating that FECOFOOT must regain full independence before the ban is lifted.
Congo currently sits at the bottom of Group E in the CAF World Cup qualification standings, while Pakistan finished last in Group G of the AFC qualifiers. While both teams were already struggling, FIFA’s decision means neither can participate in any upcoming international tournaments until the governance issues are resolved.
FIFA’s strict approach to governance has seen several federations banned in recent years for political interference, financial mismanagement, and administrative failures. The governing body has made it clear that football associations must remain independent to ensure fair competition.
For Pakistan and Congo, the road to reinstatement depends entirely on meeting FIFA’s demands. Until then, their national teams and domestic clubs will remain ineligible for international football. Whether the PFF and FECOFOOT can resolve their internal issues quickly remains to be seen, but for now, both nations are out of the 2026 World Cup race.
FIFA has banned Pakistan from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to governance failures, while Congo also faces suspension over external interference, ruling both nations out of international football competitions. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
