2026 W’CUP: FIFA confirms DR Congo for play-offs, ends Nigeria’s hopes

FIFA on Wednesday confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative and effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the competition, the world football governing body outlined the tournament format and listed the six participating nations, with DR Congo included as CAF’s flag bearer.

The confirmation leaves no room for Nigeria, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had challenged their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

The NFF had filed a formal protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie, which ended 1-1 before Nigeria lost on penalties.

The appeal sought to overturn the result and secure the Super Eagles’ place in the inter-confederation play-offs, but FIFA’s latest communication appears to have settled the matter.

In the communication, FIFA made no reference to any amendment to the qualified teams, strongly indicating that the original result will stand and confirming Nigeria’s elimination.

In its 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.”

The governing body added, “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 will kick off on Thursday, March 26, with New Caledonia taking on Jamaica, while Bolivia faces Suriname.

DR Congo will then meet the winner of the clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica on Tuesday, March 31,to book a spot at the World Cup.

Culled from vanguard