World football governing body FIFA has confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative at the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 World Cup, effectively ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
In an accreditation notice issued on Wednesday ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the tournament format and listed the six participating nations, including DR Congo. The confirmation leaves no slot for Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles.
The Nigeria Football Federation had previously lodged a formal protest challenging the outcome of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025. The decisive tie ended 1-1 before DR Congo prevailed on penalties.
Nigeria’s appeal alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the match and sought to have the result overturned to secure a place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
FIFA’s latest confirmation indicates that the appeal did not alter the final qualification outcome, with DR Congo set to compete in the play-off tournament for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
