World football governing body, FIFA on Wednesday confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament for 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an accreditation notice circulated to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA detailed the tournament format and listed the six participating nations: Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.
DR Congo’s inclusion leaves no room for Nigeria, whose football federation had challenged their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025. Nigeria had drawn 1-1 with DR Congo before losing on penalties.
NFF filed a protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie and seeking to have the result overturned.
However, FIFA’s latest communication made no reference to any change in the qualified teams, indicating that the original results stands and that Nigeria’s appeal did not succeed.
In a statement, FIFA said the play-offs tournament will feature six team competing for the two places at the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in Canada, Mexico and United States.
The play-offs will begin on March 26, with New Caledonia facing Jamaica and Bolivia taking on Suriname, DR Congo will play the winner of the New Caledonia versus Jamaica fixtures on March 31 for a place at the World Cup.
With the confirmed list now released, Nigeria may not take part in the 2026 tournament.
-9News Nigeria.
