NPFL Missing As FIFA Lists Players From 69 Leagues For 2026 World Cup

NPFL Missing As FIFA Lists Players From 69 Leagues For 2026 World Cup

Sampson Adedeji 

The Nigeria Premier Football League was conspicuously missing from the list of 69 domestic leagues that will be represented by players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to FIFA’s latest compilation ahead of the tournament, players selected for the World Cup squads are drawn from 69 different national leagues across the globe, highlighting the widespread representation of domestic competitions at the mundial.

Leagues from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America all produced players for the tournament, but the Nigerian top-flight failed to contribute any player to the final squad lists announced by the participating countries.

The development has once again raised concerns about the declining global visibility and competitiveness of the Nigerian domestic league despite the country’s rich football history and reputation for producing talented players.

Most of the Nigerian players heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup are based abroad, particularly in leagues across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

The expanded 48-team World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across host nations United States, Mexico and Canada.