The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has already ended for one African nation. Congo-Brazzaville is officially out of the race after losing all their qualifying matches.

Earlier in the year, FIFA suspended the Congolese football federation (FECOFOOT) due to what it described as “undue influence.” 

During the suspension, their scheduled fixtures against Zambia and Tanzania were cancelled, with both opponents awarded 3-0 victories by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

Although the ban was later lifted in May, Congo-Brazzaville could not recover in the qualifiers. With five defeats from five games, their World Cup dream is over.

The qualifiers in Africa have also seen other challenges. Eritrea withdrew from the process entirely, reportedly over fears that players might seek asylum during away matches. 

That decision meant their group opponents advanced without facing them.

Outside Africa, FIFA has also taken action against other countries. 

Russia remains banned from international competitions, including the 2026 World Cup, following their invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

While Russia continues to play friendly matches with some nations, they remain barred from competitive football under FIFA’s authority.