FIFA on Wednesday confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative and effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualification.
In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA listed the six participating nations: Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.
The confirmation comes after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenged their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025. Nigeria had drawn 1-1 with DR Congo before losing on penalties.
The NFF filed a protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie and seeking to have the result overturned.
However, FIFA’s latest communication made no reference to any change in the qualified teams, indicating that the original result stands and that Nigeria’s appeal did not succeed.
In a statement, FIFA said the play-off tournament will feature six teams competing for the final two places at the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The play-offs will begin on March 26, with New Caledonia facing Jamaica and Bolivia taking on Suriname. DR Congo will play the winner of the New Caledonia versus Jamaica fixture on March 31 for a place at the World Cup.
With the confirmed list now released, Nigeria will not take part in the 2026 tournament.
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