Nigeria will not feature at the 2026 World Cup after FIFA snubbed the West African giants’ protest against the DR Congo, Footynaija reports.
This development comes after the world football’s governing body confirmed the final list of nations set to compete in the intercontinental play-offs, with DR Congo included and the Super Eagles absent.
The announcement effectively closes the door on Nigeria’s appeal following their dramatic defeat in the African qualifying play-off last November. The Super Eagles had drawn 1-1 with DR Congo over 120 minutes before losing on penalties in a tense encounter that ended their hopes on the pitch.
FIFA has released the World Cup playoffs with DR Congo 🇨🇩 without any pronouncement on the Nigeria’s appeal.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 4, 2026
At least, the verdict should be released either positive or negative.
We need answers, FIFA. 👋
In the aftermath, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest, arguing that DR Congo fielded players who did not meet eligibility requirements under FIFA regulations. Nigerian officials sought a review of the match and hoped the result would be overturned, which would have reopened a path to the expanded tournament.
However, FIFA’s latest communication confirming the six teams advancing to the play-off tournament contained no amendments. DR Congo remain listed among the qualified nations, alongside Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.
In outlining the competition format, FIFA said:
“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.”
🚨| BREAKING: FIFA have released fixtures for the upcoming World Cup playoff tournament in Mexico with DR Congo scheduled to play the winner of the game between New Caledonia and Jamaica on March 31.
— Bolarinwa Olajide (@iambolar) March 4, 2026
No hope for Nigeria. It’s all over! 😢 #FIFAWorldCup2026 #WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/A6KzKaV1hX
It added:
“All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”
The absence of any reference to disciplinary measures or changes to the qualified list strongly suggests that Nigeria’s protest did not succeed.
For the Super Eagles, the confirmation represents another setback. Having also failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Nigeria will now miss consecutive editions of football’s biggest tournament, including the first 48-team World Cup.
