FIFA on Wednesday confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative.
The announcement effectively ends Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the tournament format and confirmed the six participating nations. DR Congo’s inclusion leaves no room for Nigeria, whose football authorities had challenged the outcome of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.
The Nigeria Football Federation had lodged a formal protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie. The match ended 1–1 before Nigeria lost on penalties. The appeal sought to overturn the result and secure the Super Eagles a place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Confirming the final list, FIFA stated: “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.”
The world football body added that all six teams have now been confirmed: Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.
The play-off tournament is scheduled to commence on March 26.
