ZURICH, Switzerland — FIFA on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, confirmed the final list of teams for the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, naming the Democratic Republic of Congo as Africa’s representative and effectively ending Nigeria’s attempt to qualify for the global competition.
In an accreditation notice distributed to journalists ahead of the tournament, the governing body of world football outlined the format of the play-off event and identified the six participating teams.
The announcement confirms that Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname will compete for the final two places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s Appeal Fails
The decision closes the door on Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament after the Nigeria Football Federation contested the outcome of a decisive Confederation of African Football play-off held in November 2025.
Nigeria had lost the tie against DR Congo after a 1–1 draw was settled by a penalty shoot-out. Following the match, the federation lodged a formal protest alleging that DR Congo had fielded ineligible players during the encounter.
The appeal sought to overturn the result of the match and secure Nigeria’s place in the inter-confederation play-offs.
Six Teams to Compete for Final Places
Confirming the final line-up, FIFA said the tournament would determine the last two qualifiers for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“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,” FIFA said in a statement.
“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 begin on Wednesday, March 26, 2026.
