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Super Eagles To Miss 2026 World Cup As FIFA Confirms DR Congo For Play-Offs
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, after FIFA confirmed DR Congo as Africa’s representative in the intercontinental play-off tournament.
Nigeria had hoped to revive their qualification chances following a formal complaint to FIFA alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during their penalty shootout victory over the Super Eagles in the continental play-off final. The protest triggered months of uncertainty for both nations.
However, the world football governing body has now effectively settled the matter. In an official tournament notice issued to media partners, FIFA listed DR Congo among the six countries that will compete for the final two available spots at the expanded 2026 World Cup.
“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 statement read.
The six nations confirmed for the tournament are Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname. The play-off matches will be held from 26 to 31 March 2026 in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Nigeria’s absence marks a significant setback for the three-time African champions. It will be the first time since their World Cup debut in 1994 that the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for consecutive tournaments, having also missed the 2022 edition in Qatar.
