Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been officially dashed following FIFA’s confirmation of the six nations set to participate in the inter-confederation play-off tournament.

In an accreditation notice circulated to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the tournament format and listed the participating countries, with DR Congo securing Africa’s slot.

The development leaves no room for the Nigeria national football team, whose federation had challenged the outcome of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation had lodged a formal protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie, which ended 1-1 before Nigeria lost on penalties.

The appeal sought to overturn the result and secure Nigeria’s place in the inter-continental play-offs.

However, confirming the final line-up, FIFA stated:

“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 play-off tournament is scheduled to commence on March 26, with the six nations battling for the remaining two slots at the global showpiece.