FIFA LIST ENDS NIGERIA WORLD CUP BID

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup now appear to be over after FIFA confirmed the final list of teams for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, and DR Congo was named as Africa’s representative.

In an accreditation notice sent to journalists covering the tournament, FIFA explained the format of the competition and listed the six qualified nations.

This confirmation has made it clear that there is no change to the earlier outcome.

Part of the notice read, “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 world football governing body added, “All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”

The inclusion of DR Congo means Nigeria will not take part in the play-off tournament, because only one African team was to qualify from the CAF play-off round held in November 2025, and that spot was awarded to DR Congo after the match against Nigeria.

The Nigeria Football Federation had earlier protested the result after Nigeria lost on penalties following a 1- 1 draw, and it alleged that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive game.

The protest asked that the result be overturned and that the Super Eagles be reinstated into the intercontinental play-offs.

However, FIFA’s latest communication did not mention any amendment to the list of qualified teams, and this strongly suggests that the result will stand.

The play-off competition will take place from March 26 to March 31, 2026, in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, and the six confirmed teams will compete for the final two places at the World Cup.