Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dashed after FIFA confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, with DR Congo named as Africa’s representative.

In an accreditation notice circulated to journalists ahead of the tournament, FIFA outlined the format and listed the six participating nations. DR Congo’s inclusion effectively rules out Nigeria, whose football federation had lodged a formal protest following their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive play-off, which ended 1-1 before Nigeria lost on penalties. The appeal sought to overturn the result and secure a place for the Super Eagles in the inter-continental play-offs.

FIFA’s latest communication, however, makes no mention of any changes to the qualified teams, strongly suggesting that the original outcome will stand and confirming Nigeria’s elimination.

In its statement, FIFA confirmed: “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 governing body added: “All six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”