Pakistan and Congo will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, regardless of the outcome of their respective qualifiers. This follows a decision by FIFA, the world football governing body, to impose sanctions on both nations’ football federations.
According to a statement released by FIFA on February 6, 2025, the Bureau of the FIFA Council reached the decision due to serious governance issues affecting both associations.
Sanctions Against the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT)
FIFA has suspended the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) with immediate effect, citing undue interference by third parties in its affairs. This violation directly contravenes FIFA Statutes, prompting the suspension in consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The decision follows two FIFA-CAF missions to Brazzaville, which assessed the situation.
Conditions for Lifting Congo’s Suspension:
FECOFOOT’s suspension will only be lifted if the following conditions are met:
- Restoration of full control of FECOFOOT headquarters, the Ignié Technical Centre, and all association facilities.
- Reversal of unauthorized changes to FECOFOOT bank account signatories, restoring control to those recognized by FIFA and CAF.
- Revocation of any legal or administrative decisions that allowed an ad hoc committee to interfere in FECOFOOT affairs.
- Assurance of full cooperation to enable FECOFOOT to operate without external influence.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Suspension
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has also been suspended with immediate effect. FIFA cites failure to revise the PFF Constitution to ensure fair and democratic elections, a requirement set as part of FIFA’s normalization process.
Conditions for Lifting Pakistan’s Suspension:
Pakistan’s suspension will only be lifted once the PFF Congress officially approves the FIFA-AFC-proposed Constitution, aligning it with global football governance standards.
Impact of the Suspensions
This ruling means that both Congo and Pakistan will be excluded from all FIFA-sanctioned international competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The decision deals a significant blow to both nations’ football development and international aspirations.
FIFA has not specified a timeline for lifting the suspensions, making it imperative for FECOFOOT and PFF to swiftly implement the necessary reforms.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the football authorities in Congo and Pakistan to see whether they will comply with FIFA’s directives and regain their place in international football.
The 2026 tournament is scheduled to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico will not feature the three countries.
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