World Cup 2026: FIFA punishes Nigeria and DR Congo over a play-off match

The African play-off final, which was held on November 16, 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, ended in dramatic fashion with the Democratic Republic of Congo winning 4-3 on penalties after extra time after a 1-1 draw.

The result dashed Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2018.

Moments before Leopards captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty, Super Eagles coach Eric Chele accused DR Congo officials of attempting to use sorcery.

Following the defeat, the Nigerian Football Association lodged a formal protest with FIFA, questioning the eligibility of several DRC players who had switched international allegiance.

Nigeria’s complaint centers on domestic laws in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that reportedly do not recognize dual citizenship for adults. This raised questions over the eligibility of Premier League players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, both of whom featured in the match.

With just two weeks remaining before the continental qualifiers in Mexico to determine which countries qualify for the World Cup finals, the sanctions have heightened the anticipation surrounding FIFA’s decision on the Nigerian Football Federation’s protest over the alleged use of ineligible players by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

However, FIFA included the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the upcoming World Cup play-offs. They are scheduled to face the winner of the New Caledonia-Jamaica match on March 31.

Leopards coach Sebastien Desabre has announced his 26-man squad, with Yoane Wessa returning after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to a knee injury.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo hopes to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire.

Up to 10 African countries could qualify to participate in the expanded global tournament in North America.