Nigeria out as FIFA confirms DR Congo spot in 2026 World Cup

FIFA announced the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off event on Wednesday, with DR Congo representing Africa, crushing Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an accreditation notice circulated to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA detailed the tournament format and listed the six participating nations. DR Congo’s inclusion leaves no room for Nigeria, whose football federation had challenged their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation submitted an official protest, claiming that the DR Congo national football team used ineligible players in the crucial match, which finished 1-1 before Nigeria were defeated in the penalty shootout. The appeal had aimed to have the outcome overturned and secure Nigeria a spot in the inter-continental play-offs.

However, FIFA’s latest communication does not refer to any changes to the qualified teams, signaling that the original result will stand and confirming Nigeria’s elimination.

Confming the development in a statement, FIFA said, “The FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament will see six teams fight it out for the final two places at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, to be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States across 16 Host Cities.”

“All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”

The play-off tournament gets underway on March 26.