Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have officially been extinguished after FIFA confirmed DR Congo national football team as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off tournament.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, finalised the list of six countries that will compete for the last two available slots at the 2026 tournament, leaving the Nigeria national football team out of contention.
In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the format of the play-offs and named the participating nations. DR Congo’s inclusion effectively shut the door on Nigeria’s appeal to reclaim a spot in the tournament.
The Nigeria Football Federation had earlier filed a protest following the Super Eagles’ defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025. The decisive tie ended 1-1 before DR Congo triumphed on penalties.
Nigeria alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the encounter and sought to have the result overturned, which would have secured the Super Eagles a place in the inter-continental play-offs.
However, confirming the final lineup, FIFA stated that six teams including Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname have qualified for the play-off tournament.
The high-stakes competition, which kicks off on March 26, will determine the final two teams to join the expanded 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
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