Eight countries 'banned' from the World Cup as FIFA decision blocks them competing

Eight countries are unable to compete in qualification for the World Cup as FIFA does not recognise them as official nations.

A total of 210 nations were permitted to enter the qualifying stages for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Out of those nations, Congo withdrew from their remaining fixtures earlier this year after their football association, FECAFOOT, was briefly suspended by FIFA.

And Eritrea - who haven't played a competitive match in five years - pulled out of qualification before it began, with The Guardian claiming its governing body are concerned that players will seek political asylum in opposing nations due to the conditions in the country.

The African nation are still recognised by FIFA so can return to competitive international football at any point.

But there are eight countries who are still not recognised by football's governing body:

Vatican City

Football has been played in the Vatican City since the 16th century, but the papal residence is still not an official part of UEFA.

Men's and women's sides often play friendlies against Italian clubs, and football has been popular among several popes.

Pope Francis supported Argentine giants San Lorenzo and reportedly held talks with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin about potential Vatican City membership ahead of the Euro 2020 final.

The current pope, Pope Leo, is also connected to sport. He is a big fan of baseball, has been described as 'quite the amateur tennis player', and appeared to indicate his support for Serie A side Roma last month.

Federated States of Micronesia

Micronesia's football association, along with the British writer Paul Watson, administered a futsal competition in 2023 in an attempt to push them closer to FIFA membership or recognition.

Their uphill battle, though, is highlighted by a pure lack of resources.

In 2015, their under-23 team was entered into the Pacific Games, being drawn against Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu.

They subsequently conceded 114 goals across their three games without scoring, with their biggest defeat being 46-0 to Vanuatu. One opposition player scored 16 goals.

Nauru

Nauru are perhaps the closest team on this list to gaining membership of a continental governing body.

Plans are in place to rebuild the nation's grassroots schemes, and they would have players with Nauru heritage living in Australia to call upon if they were admitted to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).

Backed by Reading icon Dave Kitson, the nation invited a Royals XI team to face them in a one-off match, though the fixture has not yet taken place.

Monaco

The principality is the jewel of the crown in several sports, such as Formula 1, while AS Monaco are one of France's top football clubs.

At international level, however, the Monegasque Football Federation is not a member of UEFA or FIFA and therefore Monaco cannot play in World Cups.

Most of the men's team is made up of local workers, with a minority of those having professional experience.

Were Monaco ever to be admitted to UEFA, the likes of PSV star Olivier Boscagli - who was born in the principality state - could play for them.

Palau

Palau are the 16th smallest country in the world, with the ELO Ratings ranking them as the second-worst football nation at present.

The Palau Soccer League - the nation's only football division - was due to be relaunched in October 2024 on their only football-specific pitch.

Kiribati

There are records of Kiribati playing football as far back as 1979, while they were formerly regulars at the Pacific Games.

But there is no record of any competitive match since 2011 for the men's team, and 2003 for the women's team.

They were due to enter the Confederation of Island Football Associations (CONIFA) World Football Cup in 2018, but withdrew due to financial reasons.

Tuvalu

Tuvalu are in a different position to some nations on this list as they have a men's and women's domestic structure.

They are already part of CONIFA and are regular competitors at the Pacific Games.

Some of their players have competed for Australian A-League sides, while their top scorer, Alopou Petoa, formerly played in the top amateur division in New Zealand.