Which countries are banned from participating in World Cup qualifiers?

8 countries and territories cannot play in the World Cup qualifiers because they have not been recognized as official members by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

The World Cup is not a playground for every country and territory - Photo: FIFA

Although it is called the World Cup, not every country or territory has the opportunity to compete in the biggest football playground on the planet. While the 2026 World Cup qualifiers are taking place with 210 participating countries, some teams are still left out because they are not recognized by FIFA.

Congo, for example, missed two World Cup qualifying matches earlier this year after FIFA suspended its football federation. Although the African nation will complete its remaining matches, it has no chance of progressing.

Meanwhile, Eritrea withdrew from qualifying before the campaign began, reportedly due to concerns that players could seek asylum abroad amid difficult conditions at home.

While Eritrea remains a recognized FIFA member and can return to play at any time, eight other territories are completely ineligible to participate due to lack of FIFA recognition, even though they have their own teams or football associations.

8 countries and territories are not allowed to participate in the World Cup qualifiers:

Vatican City: Soccer has existed within the boundaries of the Catholic Church for centuries. However, the Vatican is not a recognized member of FIFA or UEFA. Their men's and women's teams regularly play friendly matches, mainly against local Italian clubs.

Federated States of Micronesia: Micronesia's football ambitions remain hampered by logistical and resource challenges. At the 2015 Pacific Games, their U23 team suffered heavy defeats, conceding 114 goals in three games, including a 46-0 loss to Vanuatu.

Nauru : One of the world's smallest nations, Nauru is seen as one of the earliest candidates to join the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), with efforts underway to revive grassroots football on the island.

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. As a result, its national team cannot compete in the World Cup or European Championships. The majority of Monaco's players are local workers, with only a handful having professional football experience.

Palau: Palau is the 16th smallest country in the world and currently holds the unenviable position of being the second worst footballing nation in the world according to the ELO rating system, just ahead of American Samoa. The country's professional football infrastructure is very poor.

Kiribati: Kiribati's football history dates back to 1979 with participation in regional competitions. However, their men's team has not played since 2011, and the women's team has not been active since 2003. Financial difficulties have hampered the development of football in the island nation.

Tuvalu: Tuvalu has distinguished itself by running both men's and women's football leagues, as well as regularly participating in the Pacific Games. The country is an active member of CONIFA (Confederation of Independent Football Associations) and several of its players have played in Australia's A-League.

Marshall Islands: The Marshall Islands made headlines earlier this year when they played the first 11-a-side football match in history, leaving Nauru as the only country yet to do so. However, like many others on this list, they are not yet a member of FIFA, with the Marshall Islands Football Federation only being formed in 2020.

Back to topic

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhung-nuoc-nao-bi-cam-tham-du-vong-loai-world-cup-20251016090021719.htm