FIFA Confirms DR Congo’s Eligibility to Compete in Inter-Confederation Play-Off
The final line-up for the Inter-Continental play-off tournament was confirmed by the International Association of Football Federation (FIFA), the international governing body of football, on Wednesday.
The official communique by FIFA highlighted Africa’s representative to be the central part of the continent, DR Congo, rather than the West African neighbours, Nigeria, amidst their official complaint to the world’s governing body.
FIFA outlined the structure of the continental play-off and named the participating countries, namely, New Caledonia, Jamaica, Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq and DR Congo.
DR Congo’s ratification implies there is no empty space for Nigeria, whose football officials had attempted to overturn their expulsion in the CAF play-offs conducted in November 2025.
FIFA did not refer to any adjustment to the qualified teams, clearly hinting that the original outcome will remain and confirming Nigeria’s elimination.
FIFA was clear in the statement, “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.”
“All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers,” the governing body added.
The play-offs will take off on Thursday, March 26, with New Caledonia taking on Jamaica, while Bolivia faces Suriname.
DR Congo will then meet the winner of the clash between New Caledonia and Jamaica on Tuesday, March 31, to book a spot at the World Cup.
Story by Atakorah (Pramaso)
