Nigeria Miss Out as FIFA Names DR Congo in Inter-Confederation Play-Off

FIFA has officially announced the six countries that will compete in the inter-confederation play-off tournament, confirming DR Congo as Africa’s sole representative.

The announcement effectively ends Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a notice issued to journalists ahead of the competition, football’s world governing body outlined the structure of the tournament and revealed the complete list of participating teams.

DR Congo’s confirmation comes despite an earlier protest by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which contested the outcome of their November 2025 CAF play-off clash. The match ended 1-1 before DR Congo triumphed on penalties.

The NFF had argued that DR Congo used ineligible players during the encounter and filed an appeal, seeking to have the result overturned and Nigeria reinstated into the qualification race.

However, FIFA has now settled the matter. 

The organisation said six nations will compete for the remaining two slots at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The confirmed teams are Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.

The play-off tournament is scheduled to begin on March 26.