According to report by Vanguard on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, FIFA has officially confirmed the teams for the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative, which ends Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the tournament.
The announcement was made in an accreditation notice to journalists, which also detailed the play-off format and listed the six participating nations.
Nigeria had hoped to challenge its elimination following the CAF play-off defeat to DR Congo in November 2025. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal appeal, claiming DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the decisive match that ended 1-1 before Nigeria lost in the penalty shootout.
The protest sought to reverse the result and secure a place for the Super Eagles in the play-offs. However, FIFA’s recent communication shows no changes to the qualified teams, confirming that Nigeria’s elimination will stand.
FIFA stated that the six-team play-off tournament would determine the final two spots for the World Cup, scheduled to take place across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The confirmed participants are Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname.
The play-offs are set to begin on Thursday, March 26, with New Caledonia facing Jamaica and Bolivia taking on Suriname.
DR Congo is scheduled to play against the winner of the New Caledonia-Jamaica match on Tuesday, March 31, with the victor earning a place in the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA’s confirmation effectively closes the chapter on Nigeria’s protest, ending hopes of overturning the November result.
The announcement leaves DR Congo as Africa’s sole representative in the play-off stage, marking a significant setback for Nigerian football fans eagerly anticipating World Cup qualification.