FIFA ends Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dream, confirms DR Congo for play-off

FIFA has ended the Super Eagles’ dreams of playing at the 2026 World Cup, after confirming the final line-up for this month’s inter-confederation play-off tournament.

The world football governing body has picked DR Congo as Africa’s representative.

This was contained in an accreditation notice circulated to the media on Wednesday.

In the notice, FIFA provided details of the tournament format and listed the six countries that would be involved.

DR Congo’s inclusion leaves no room for Nigeria, whose football federation had challenged the result of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation lodged a formal protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie, which ended 1-1 and went to penalties, where Nigeria lost.