FIFA announced on the 11th that the "polar bears" Russia, Congo and Pakistan were all banned from participating in the 2026 World Cup. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has faced bans from major sporting events, including disqualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, not being allowed to participate in Euro 2024, and Russian teams have also been banned from European competitions.

Russia, Congo and Pakistan have been banned from the 2026 World Cup, with Congo (pictured) being the only team still competing in World Cup qualifying.

In fact, at last year's 2026 World Cup qualifiers European draw ceremony, Russia, ranked 34th in the world, has been listed as a banned team. The Congolese FA and Pakistan Football Association have been suspended by FIFA, which means that the country's football team will not be able to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA pointed out in the relevant statement that "due to the serious situation of the third party's improper interference in the affairs of the Congolese Football Federation, which clearly violated the provisions of the FIFA Constitution, the Congolese Football Federation was immediately suspended." "World No. 128 Congo are now bottom of Group E in the first stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Africa. Eritrea, who are in the same group, withdrew from the tournament before the start of the tournament.

The Pakistan Football Association (FA) was suspended after 2017 and 2021 for failing to pass constitutional changes to ensure fair and democratic elections. Pakistan, ranked 198th in the world, have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and are at the bottom of Group G after six matches in the second stage of the Asian zone.