The FIFA World Cup is meant to unite countries through football, yet politics has repeatedly shaped who gets to take part.

Across different eras, countries have withdrawn, been banned, or missed out entirely due to war, government interference, diplomatic tensions, and international sanctions.

Here are 7 countries whose World Cup journeys were disrupted by politics.

1. South Africa

South Africa was banned by FIFA in 1961 and later expelled in 1976 over its apartheid system of racial segregation. The country missed multiple World Cups before being readmitted in 1992 following the end of apartheid.

2. Yugoslavia

Despite entering the qualification cycle, Yugoslavia was barred from international football due to United Nations sanctions during the Balkan wars. The ban ended their hopes of reaching the 1994 tournament.

3. Chile

Chile advanced under controversial circumstances after the Soviet Union refused to play a decisive playoff in Santiago. The USSR protested that the stadium had been used as a detention centre after Chile’s military coup, turning qualification into a political flashpoint.

4. Soviet Union

The Soviet Union’s refusal to travel to Chile effectively ruled them out of the 1974 World Cup. Their stance remains one of football’s most notable politically driven withdrawals.

5. Indonesia (2018 qualifiers)

Indonesia was suspended by FIFA in 2015 due to government interference in football affairs. The ban ruled them out of the qualification process for subsequent tournaments, including the 2018 cycle.

6. Kenya

Kenya has faced multiple FIFA suspensions tied to government involvement in football administration. These recurring disputes have hindered their chances of qualifying for major tournaments.

7. Russia (2022/2026 cycle)

Russia was removed from the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs following the invasion of Ukraine. Ongoing geopolitical tensions have continued to affect their participation in international football competitions.

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