FIFA has officially dashed the hopes of the Nigeria national football team of featuring at the 2026 World Cup after confirming the final list of teams for this month’s inter-confederation play-off tournament.
In an accreditation notice circulated to media organizations on Wednesday, the global football body announced the six countries set to compete in the tournament and confirmed the DR Congo national football team as Africa’s representative.
The confirmation effectively shuts out Nigeria, whose football authorities had contested the outcome of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.
The Nigeria Football Federation had filed a formal protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive encounter. The match ended 1-1 before proceeding to penalties, where Nigeria was defeated.
With DR Congo’s inclusion now ratified, Nigeria’s chances of securing a place at the 2026 World Cup through the play-offs have officially come to an end.
