FIFA has confirmed DR Congo national football team as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of securing a late qualification.

In an accreditation notice issued to journalists on Wednesday ahead of the competition, FIFA outlined the format of the tournament and listed the six national teams that will compete for the remaining slots in the global showpiece.

The confirmation of DR Congo’s participation closes the door on the Nigeria national football team, whose football authorities had earlier challenged the outcome of their defeat in the African qualifying play-offs held in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation had filed a formal protest alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive encounter. The match ended 1–1 before proceeding to penalties, where Nigeria eventually lost.

Nigeria’s appeal sought to overturn the result and secure a place for the Super Eagles in the inter-confederation play-off stage, but FIFA’s latest announcement confirms that the challenge did not alter the outcome.

In a statement, FIFA said the play-off tournament would feature six teams competing for the final two slots at the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States across 16 host cities.

According to the football governing body, the confirmed teams for the tournament are Bolivia national football team, DR Congo national football team, Iraq national football team, Jamaica national football team, New Caledonia national football team and Suriname national football team.

The play-off tournament is scheduled to commence on March 26, with the participating nations battling for the last two tickets to the expanded 2026 World Cup finals.