8 countries FIFA doesn’t recognise as football-playing nations
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, millions of football lovers across countries are already planning where and how they’ll cheer their national teams.
But there are some countries that won’t participate not because they don’t have fans or love the game, but because FIFA doesn’t officially recognize them due to their population, financial constraints to infrastructural limitations.
Here’s a closer look at 8 countries FIFA doesn’t recognise as football-playing nations
Monaco
With a population of 38,682, Monaco is one of the countries where FIFA does not recognise its national team but is well-known for its elite football team, AS Monaco. Monaco has focused its efforts on club success because of its close ties to French football rather than international competitiveness.
Vatican City
The Vatican has a population of less than 1,000 people with a football team established in 1994. Mostly made up of Swiss Guards and other Vatican employees, this team occasionally participates in friendly matches. FIFA, however, does not recognise the country as a football nation due to its size.
Micronesia
Micronesia has a population of 115,000 and has challenges with logistics and finance that restrict its football participation. Although local football thrives in the country, the costs and organizational requirements of FIFA membership, such as official venues and foreign travel, remain a challenge.
Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands, with a population of 59,000 located in the Pacific Ocean, gained independence in 1990 and has not established an official national football team. The country is focused on local sports rather than pursuing international football due to limited infrastructure and financial resources recommended by FIFA.
Tuvalu
With a national team formed in 1979, Tuvalu has a population of 11,819 and lacks FIFA recognition due to its small size and lack of facilities. While they participate in regional competitions, FIFA membership requirements have been a challenge.
Palau
Palau has a population of 18,000 people and a national football squad that was founded in 1998, however, it primarily plays regional football. Its small population and location have made international competitiveness tough and influenced FIFA’s recognition.
Nauru
FIFA doesn’t recognise Nauru as a football-playing nation due to limited resources and a small population of 12,000.
Kiribati
Kiribati entered the football scene in 2005 but has faced FIFA restrictions due to economic and infrastructural challenges. As a nation with a population of 122,000, the country relies on community sports.
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