FIFA has officially confirmed the final list of teams for the 2026 inter‑confederation play‑off tournament, naming the Democratic Republic of the Congo as Africa’s representative, a development that effectively ends Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through that route.
In an accreditation notice circulated to journalists ahead of the competition, the world governing body detailed the format of the play‑off event and listed the six nations set to compete for the final two places at the expanded World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. DR Congo’s place in the line‑up leaves no space for Nigeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation had lodged a formal protest after the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo in the CAF play‑off final in November 2025, a tie that ended 1–1 and was decided on penalties in favour of DR Congo.
In its appeal, the NFF alleged that DR Congo fielded players who were ineligible under relevant regulations and sought to have the result overturned so that Nigeria could take the African spot in the inter‑confederation play‑offs.
However, FIFA’s latest communication makes no reference to any change in the qualified teams, indicating that the original outcome will stand and confirming DR Congo’s slot. In the statement shared with media, 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.”
With DR Congo listed as Africa’s representative, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will not take part in the inter‑confederation play‑offs and will therefore miss out on the chance to qualify for the global finals, barring any further developments from FIFA’s ongoing eligibility review.
