FIFA bans three nations from 2026 World Cup

World football's governing body (FIFA) has made the decision to suspend two football federations, including their national teams, thus increasing the number of teams competing to three in total, along with Russia.

The next World Cup will be played in 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Of course, we won't be watching the three teams that FIFA has banned from playing, and since the qualifiers have begun or have already begun, that means they will definitely miss the World Cup.

Russia has been suspended for long-known reasons. Russia has not been present in competitions under the jurisdiction of UEFA and FIFA since the beginning of the military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

This means that neither the men's nor women's national teams of this country can compete anywhere at an official level, nor can the clubs of this country. However, the news is that FIFA has also suspended two other federations, but for different reasons.

Russia were joined by Pakistan and Congo among those suspended. FIFA has just made the decision and explained why these two teams can no longer compete until the issues are resolved.

Congo was banned from the competition because FIFA described the situation as "a particularly serious situation due to the interference of third parties in its affairs".

The decision was made in consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after FIFA sent its mission to Brazzaville.

At the same time, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) was suspended for failing to adopt a constitution that would ensure fair and democratic elections. Again, the cause is political interference in elections within the Football Federation. /Telegraph/