
Longest gaps between World Cup appearances
A list of national teams that returned to the FIFA World Cup after the longest absence, ranked by years between successive participations.
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A list of national teams that returned to the FIFA World Cup after the longest absence, ranked by years between successive participations.

England defender Jarell Quansah has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for serious foul play during a 3-2 win over Mexico. He will miss the quarter-final against Norway and a potential semi-final, but could return for the final if England advance.

Argentina continue their World Cup title defense against a resilient Switzerland side aiming for a first semi-final. The match in Kansas City pits Lionel Messi's record-breaking form against a Swiss team that has already achieved its best-ever tournament run.

Norway face England in a historic World Cup quarter-final in Miami. Erling Haaland leads Norway's charge with seven goals, while England aim to reach the semi-finals for the fourth time. The match features numerous Premier League connections.

The FA has formally complained to FIFA that VAR protocol was not followed during Jarell Quansah's red card review, claiming the referee viewed a still image before real-time footage. FIFA rejected the mitigation request, upholding a two-game ban that could sideline Quansah from a potential World Cup semi-final.

The Round of 16 is finished. FIFA and Aramco have released the latest Power Rankings highlighting top players.

The World Cup has been a box-office success with thrilling matches, but controversies including a Trump intervention and disputed refereeing decisions have raised concerns about sporting integrity, according to Miguel Delaney.

Egypt has accused FIFA of bias favoring Argentina and Lionel Messi after their 3-2 loss. Allegations include refereeing errors and the appointment of an all-Argentine officiating team for France vs. Morocco. An analysis examines the claims.

FIFA's strict refereeing at the World Cup has reduced corner-kick goals and penalized blocking tactics, contrasting with the Premier League's leniency. The approach, championed by Pierluigi Collina, may influence future domestic competitions.

Fifa has launched an investigation after American social media influencer IShowSpeed was allegedly subjected to racist abuse by a fan during Argentina's 3-2 win over Cape Verde at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July.

Belgium defeated the United States 2-0 to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Spain. The match was overshadowed by controversy over the delayed suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino faces backlash after US President Donald Trump claimed credit for overturning Folarin Balogun's red card suspension at the World Cup. Despite accusations of political interference, Infantino's re-election prospects appear secure.

The FA is considering appealing Jarell Quansah's red card from England's World Cup win over Mexico. The decision follows Fifa's controversial suspension of a ban for US striker Folarin Balogun after President Trump intervened, sparking criticism and potential appeals from other nations.

President Donald Trump confirmed he asked Fifa to review Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension at the World Cup. Fifa suspended the ban for 12 months, sparking criticism from Uefa and Belgium. Balogun is now eligible to play in the last-16 tie against Belgium.

England have qualified for the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, as confirmed by the tournament's official website.

Fifa has pointed to Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which they say allows for the overturn of a decision involving Balogun.

Mexico's World Cup team returned luxury Rolex watches gifted by YouTuber Stevewilldoit after FIFA's ethics rules prohibit gifts of more than trivial value. The watches, worth $1 million, were handed back by mutual agreement.

Fifa is in ongoing discussions to move the Mexico-England match forward by six hours, though the exact change may vary, according to federation sources. The move appears close to confirmation.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre expressed anger over a FIFA decision, calling it 'a kick in the stomach' and saying it changes everything. He stated he was not consulted and that neither he nor his players like the change.

England's World Cup last-16 match against Mexico was thrown into uncertainty after Fifa proposed moving the kick-off forward by six hours due to forecast storms. Following backlash from both football associations, Fifa reversed its decision, keeping the original 18:00 local time slot.