JUST IN: FIFA Confirms DR Congo for World Cup Play-Off, Ending Nigeria’s 2026 Hopes

FIFA has confirmed the six teams competing in the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 World Cup, officially naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative.

The announcement effectively ends Nigeria’s bid to reach the tournament, following their loss to DR Congo in the CAF play-offs last November. The tie ended 1-1, with Nigeria falling in the subsequent penalty shootout.

The Nigeria Football Federation had filed a protest, claiming DR Congo used ineligible players in the decisive match and seeking to overturn the result. FIFA, however, has upheld the outcome and finalized the play-off line-up.

In an official statement, FIFA outlined the tournament details: “The FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament will see six teams fight 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 six teams have now been decided: Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname.”

The inter-confederation play-offs are scheduled to begin on March 26.