FIFA has confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, with DR Congo representing Africa and ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a notice circulated to journalists on Wednesday ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the tournament format and listed the six participating nations. DR Congo’s inclusion leaves Nigeria out of the picture, despite the Nigeria Football Federation’s challenge to their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.
The Nigeria Football Federation had lodged an official protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the decisive match. The game ended 1–1 in regulation time before Nigeria lost in a penalty shootout. The appeal sought to have the result overturned and Nigeria granted a place in the inter-continental play-offs.
However, FIFA’s latest communication makes no reference to any changes to the list of qualified teams, indicating that the original result will stand and confirming Nigeria’s elimination.
Confirming the development, FIFA said in a statement: “The FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament will see six teams compete for the final two places at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, which will be staged across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“All six teams have now been confirmed, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname securing qualification.”
The play-off tournament is scheduled to begin on March 26.
