FIFA Confirms DR Congo For 2026 W’Cup Play-Offs, Ends Nigeria’s Hopes

Posted by: Folamidavid in Sports Mar 5, 2026

Super Eagles

FIFA has confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament. The football association formally named DR Congo as Africa’s representative, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the competition, the world football governing body outlined the tournament format and listed the six participating nations, with DR Congo included as CAF’s flag bearer.

The confirmation leaves no room for Nigeria despite the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

It read, “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.

All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”

WOW.