FIFA on Wednesday confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, officially naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The football governing body circulated an accreditation notice to journalists ahead of the competition, outlining the tournament format and listing the six participating nations. The confirmed teams are Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname.
The decision comes despite the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filing a formal protest after the Super Eagles were defeated by DR Congo in the CAF play-offs in November 2025. Nigeria alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie, which ended 1-1 and proceeded to penalties, where the Super Eagles lost. The NFF had sought to overturn the result to secure Nigeria’s spot in the inter-continental play-offs.
In a statement, FIFA said:
“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.”
The inter-confederation play-off tournament is scheduled to kick off on March 26, 2026, as nations compete for the last two spots in the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Nigeria’s football fans and officials now face the reality that, unless FIFA revisits the matter, the Super Eagles will not participate in the 2026 global showpiece.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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