2026 World Cup: Nigeria’s hopes dashed as FIFA confirms DR Congo in intercontinental playoffs

World football’s governing body, FIFA, has officially unveiled the final list of countries set to compete in the inter-confederation play-off tournament, confirming DR Congo as Africa’s sole representative.

The announcement effectively ends Nigeria’s lingering hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup through the back door.

In an accreditation circular issued to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the structure of the tournament and named the six participating nations.

DR Congo’s inclusion shuts the door on Nigeria, whose football authorities had contested the outcome of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation had submitted a formal protest, claiming that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive encounter. That match ended 1-1 before proceeding to a penalty shootout, where the Super Eagles fell short.

Nigeria’s appeal sought to overturn the result and claim a spot in the intercontinental play-offs. However, FIFA’s confirmation of the final line-up makes it clear that the protest did not succeed.

In a statement, FIFA said: “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.