World football governing body FIFA on Wednesday announced the final list of teams for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, confirming DR Congo as Africa’s representative and effectively ending Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the format of the play-off tournament and named the six participating countries, with DR Congo representing the Confederation of African Football.
The announcement leaves Nigeria out of contention, despite efforts by the Nigeria Football Federation to challenge the outcome of the CAF play-offs held in November 2025.
The NFF had submitted a protest claiming that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the decisive fixture, which ended in a 1–1 draw before Nigeria lost the tie through a penalty shootout.
Through the appeal, the federation sought to have the result overturned and secure the Super Eagles’ place in the inter-confederation play-off tournament. However, FIFA’s latest communication appears to have settled the dispute.
In its notice, the global body made no mention of any change to the list of qualified teams, indicating that the earlier result will stand and confirming Nigeria’s elimination from the race.
FIFA stated that the tournament would determine the final two teams to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
“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,” the statement said.
It added that the six teams confirmed for the play-off are Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.
According to the schedule, the play-offs will begin on March 26 with New Caledonia facing Jamaica, while Bolivia will take on Suriname.
DR Congo is set to meet the winner of the New Caledonia versus Jamaica clash on March 31 for a place at the World Cup finals.
