World football governing body, FIFA, on Wednesday announced the final list of teams for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, confirming Democratic Republic of the Congo as Africa’s representative.
The decision effectively extinguishes Nigeria’s chances of securing a place at the 2026 World Cup.
In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the tournament, FIFA outlined the competition format and named the six countries set to participate.
DR Congo’s confirmation shuts the door on Nigeria’s hopes, despite a formal complaint previously submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation challenging the outcome of their November 2025 CAF play-off clash.
The NFF had alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the decisive encounter, which ended 1-1 before Nigeria lost on penalties. The federation sought a reversal of the result to secure the Super Eagles’ place in the inter-continental play-offs.
Reaffirming its position, FIFA stated: “The FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament will see six teams compete for the final two qualification spots at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, scheduled to take place across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.”
