Citizenship dispute raises brief doubts over DR Congo’s World Cup place

Doubts have briefly emerged over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s route towards the 2026 World Cup following a formal complaint lodged by the Nigerian Football Federation after Nigeria’s elimination in the CAF playoff final.

Nigeria were beaten by DR Congo on penalties after a 1-1 draw on November 16 in Rabat, Morocco, a result that sealed the Leopards’ progress and ended Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

However, the tie has since been revisited off the pitch after the NFF challenged the eligibility of two DR Congo players, Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, citing concerns linked to nationality laws.

In its submission, Nigeria argues that the players should not have been cleared to represent DR Congo because of what it describes as confusion surrounding citizenship rules.

The NFF claims that FIFA approved their eligibility without considering domestic legislation in the Central African nation.

According to Sanusi Mohammed, Secretary General of the Super Eagles, FIFA was misled in validating the eligibility of these players, as it is not FIFA’s responsibility to interpret or enforce national citizenship laws.

He further explained the basis of the complaint, stating: the law of the Democratic Republic of Congo does not allow dual nationality. It is not FIFA’s role to know the internal laws of each country; that is why we have officially brought this matter to their attention and we now await their verdict.

Despite the renewed attention, the challenge is widely viewed as unlikely to succeed.

FIFA’s regulations concerning player eligibility in cases involving multiple nationalities are clearly defined and have been applied consistently across international football.

Under these rules, a player may represent a country if they meet specific criteria, including having a parent or grandparent born there, or having resided in the country for a minimum of five years after the age of 18.

Crucially, FIFA operates on the principle of sporting nationality, which can be granted and validated independently of national legislation.

Even in cases where domestic law restricts or prohibits dual citizenship, FIFA regulations take precedence in sporting matters.

This framework also governs changes of national allegiance, provided certain conditions are met, such as age limits and the number of senior international appearances.

It is on this legal foundation that DR Congo’s position rests, making the prospect of sanctions or disqualification remote.

As a result, FIFA is not expected to overturn the outcome of the playoff or strip the Leopards of their place in the next phase of qualification.

DR Congo, exempt from the semi-final stage due to their FIFA ranking, are scheduled to face the winner of the New Caledonia versus Jamaica match in the intercontinental playoffs next March.

Victory in that fixture would secure Africa’s 10th spot at the expanded 2026 World Cup.

For Chancel Mbemba and his teammates, the focus remains firmly on preparation rather than legal uncertainty.

The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams for the first time, will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, offering a historic opportunity for nations across the globe.

While Nigeria’s appeal has momentarily revived debate, it appears unlikely to alter DR Congo’s trajectory, with the matter now awaiting FIFA’s formal response.