Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a major blow on Wednesday after world football’s governing body, FIFA, officially confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off tournament.
The decision effectively shuts the door on the Super Eagles, who had been banking on a favourable ruling following their appeal against the outcome of the CAF play-off tie played in November 2025.
Nigeria, through the Nigeria Football Federation, had challenged the result of the decisive encounter with DR Congo, which ended 1–1 before Nigeria lost on penalties.
The NFF alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players and asked FIFA to overturn the result and reinstate the Super Eagles into the qualification pathway.
However, FIFA’s latest accreditation and tournament briefing made it clear that the appeal did not alter the standings.
Six nations confirmed for final qualification battle
In a formal statement, FIFA announced the complete list of teams that will contest the inter-confederation play-offs for the final two World Cup slots.
The six nations named are Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.
The governing body also confirmed that the play-off tournament will kick off on March 26, with matches determining the last qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Nigeria’s long road ends
With DR Congo’s name firmly on the list, Nigeria’s qualification journey has officially come to an end, extending the Super Eagles’ wait to return to the world’s biggest football stage.
