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 reaching the global competition through that route.
This was contained in an accreditation notice circulated to the media on Wednesday.
In the notice, FIFA provided details of the tournament format and listed the six countries that would be involved.
DR Congo’s inclusion leaves no room for Nigeria, whose football federation had challenged the result of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.
Nigeria had filed a formal protest following the decisive encounter, which finished 1–1 before being settled on penalties, with DR Congo emerging victorious.
The NFF alleged that the Congolese side fielded ineligible players during the match and sought a review of the result.
The federation’s appeal aimed to overturn the outcome and pave the way for the Super Eagles to take DR Congo’s place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
However, FIFA’s confirmation of the final line-up for the tournament has now extinguished any remaining hopes of Nigeria participating in the last qualification pathway for the 2026 World Cup.
