BREAKING: FIFA rejects Nigeria’s appeal, confirms DR Congo for play-off

The FIFA has confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative, a decision that effectively ends Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

In an accreditation notice circulated to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the tournament format and unveiled the six participating nations.

DR Congo’s confirmation shuts the door on Nigeria national football team, whose football federation had challenged the outcome of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation lodged a formal protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie which ended 1-1 before Nigeria lost on penalties. The appeal sought to overturn the result and secure the Super Eagles’ place in the inter-continental play-offs.

However, confirming the final roster, 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.

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

The play-off tournament is scheduled to kick off on March 26.

With the announcement, Nigeria’s pursuit of a place at the 2026 Mundial has officially come to an end, barring any extraordinary intervention.