World football governing body FIFA has confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying.
In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the tournament, FIFA listed the six participating teams, confirming DR Congo as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) entrant.
The announcement leaves out the Nigeria national football team, whose football federation had challenged the outcome of the African play-off tie played in November 2025.
The Nigeria Football Federation had filed a protest alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the match, which ended 1–1 before Nigeria lost on penalties. The NFF had sought to have the result overturned and Nigeria admitted into the play-off tournament.
FIFA’s latest communication made no reference to any change in the qualified teams, indicating the original result will stand.
“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,” FIFA said in a statement.
It added that the six teams confirmed for the play-offs are Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.
The tournament will begin on March 26 with New Caledonia facing Jamaica and Bolivia taking on Suriname. DR Congo will meet the winner between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31 for a place at the World Cup.
