Nigeria’s dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially ended following a decisive ruling by FIFA, which confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-offs.
The decision shuts out the Super Eagles, who had lodged an appeal over their CAF play-off defeat to DR Congo in November 2025.
That tie ended 1–1 before Nigeria lost on penalties, with the Nigeria Football Federation alleging the use of ineligible players by their opponents.
FIFA confirmed that the appeal did not alter the standings. DR Congo joins five other nations — Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname — in the play-offs starting March 26, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, officially ending Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes.