FIFA has dismissed widespread speculation claiming that DR Congo has been disqualified from the 2026 World Cup qualifier playoff finals, insisting no such process is underway.
The rumours followed reports alleging that DR Congo risked being thrown out of the qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, during the 2025 CAF World Cup Playoff final in Morocco, according to BSNSports.com.ng.
However, a senior FIFA official, when contacted by BSN Sports, described the claims as baseless.
“We have not received any protest or official complaint from any federation,” the official said.
“There is absolutely no discussion regarding DR Congo’s disqualification.”
DR Congo booked their place in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Playoff after defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties, following a 1–1 draw after 120 minutes.
Wan-Bissaka’s Eligibility Confirmed
Wan-Bissaka, born in England to Congolese parents, featured for DR Congo’s U20 team in 2015 before switching to England’s youth setup between 2018 and 2019. Although he represented England at youth level, he never earned a senior cap, leaving him eligible to represent DR Congo under FIFA’s nationality rules.
DR Congo’s victory stands, and FIFA maintains that no eligibility breach has been recorded.
