Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup dream crushed as FIFA picks DR Congo for Play-Off

Global football governing body FIFA has officially confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative.

The announcement, made on Wednesday, effectively dashed Nigeria’s hopes of securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the play-off route.

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

DR Congo’s inclusion leaves no room for Nigeria, whose football federation had challenged the result 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 and went to penalties, where Nigeria lost.

The appeal sought to overturn the result and secure the Super Eagles’ place in the inter-continental play-offs.

More details to follow…