FIFA Confirms DR Congo’s Place in 2026 World Cup Play-Off Despite Nigeria’s Protest

FIFA Confirms DR Congo’s Place in 2026 World Cup Play-Off Despite Nigeria’s Protest

By Niyi Busari 

The world football governing body, FIFA, has reaffirmed that the Democratic Republic of the Congo will participate in the intercontinental play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a formal protest lodged by the Nigeria Football Federation, BSNSports.com.ng reports..

The confirmation came through an exclusive interview published on FIFA’s official website with DR Congo head coach Sébastien Desabre ahead of the decisive play-off tournament scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, on 31 March.

Nigeria had earlier filed a petition with FIFA alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during their encounter with the Nigeria national football team, popularly known as the Super Eagles. The complaint raised hopes among Nigerian fans that the result could be overturned, potentially allowing Nigeria another chance to compete for a World Cup spot.

However, FIFA has yet to publicly address the protest, while continuing preparations for the intercontinental play-off involving the Congolese side.

The interview with Desabre effectively signals that DR Congo remain on course for the play-off match, which will determine whether they secure a place at the 2026 World Cup finals in North America.

DR Congo, nicknamed the Leopards, are attempting to qualify for the global tournament for the first time in more than five decades. Their only previous appearance came in 1974 when the nation, then known as Zaire, competed in the tournament but exited in the group stage without scoring a goal.

Speaking ahead of the decisive encounter, Desabre said his team was highly motivated and focused on achieving its long-standing objective.

“We’re really fired up. We’re still on course to meet our main objective,” he told FIFA. “This final will be our 13th match since our qualifying campaign began. It’s been a long road and we’ve worked our way through every stage.”

The French coach credited the team’s collective resilience for their progress through the qualification campaign.

“I can’t point to just one defining moment,” he said. “It’s about everything we’ve been through together — the highs and the lows. Those experiences have made us stronger and brought us to this point.”

Desabre also highlighted his team’s defensive discipline, noting that DR Congo have conceded only one goal in their last four qualifying matches. He attributed the team’s progress to unity within the squad and commitment to a shared objective.

“The players share a strong bond both on and off the pitch,” he said. “Everyone is pulling in the same direction to achieve a common goal.”

DR Congo secured their place in the play-off after defeating Nigeria in the CAF play-off round via penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time.

To qualify for the World Cup, the Leopards must win one final match in Guadalajara against either Jamaica national football team or New Caledonia national football team.

Desabre acknowledged the significance of the moment but stressed the importance of staying focused.

“We all want to go to the World Cup, but we can’t let our emotions take over,” he said. “What matters is performing well on the day and giving everything on the pitch to make Congo proud.”

If successful, DR Congo will secure their second appearance at the World Cup, ending a 52-year absence from football’s biggest stage.