FIFA Confirms DR Congo, Ends Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes

FIFA on Wednesday confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative.

The announcement means Nigeria will not participate in the play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a notice circulated to journalists, FIFA outlined the tournament format and listed the six participating teams.

DR Congo’s inclusion follows their victory over Nigeria in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

FIFA Confirms DR Congo, Nigeria Excluded Play-Offs — DR Congo official team. Credit: Citi Sport News

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a protest regarding the November match, raising concerns about player eligibility. The protest sought clarification and review of the result.

FIFA has confirmed the six teams for the tournament, stating, “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.”

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

The tournament will begin on March 26, 2026.

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Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.