2026 World Cup: NFF Appeals FIFA Ruling On DR Congo Eligibility Dispute

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has begun the process of challenging a ruling by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee over its protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team.

Naija News reports that Nigeria had raised concerns about the eligibility of several DR Congo players used in their 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off clash in Rabat last November.

The Super Eagles lost the tie 4-3 on penalties, but the NFF questioned the legitimacy of documents used to qualify some members of the Congolese squad, pointing to alleged irregularities in passport issuance.

After months of waiting, the Nigerian federation confirmed it has now received FIFA’s verdict, which dismissed the petition. The NFF, however, is pushing back.

“We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the decision, which rejected our petition,” said NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, in a statement on Tuesday.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision.”

Despite the ongoing dispute, DR Congo’s World Cup hopes remain alive. They have been drawn to face the winner between Jamaica and the New Caledonia national football team for a place at the finals.

DR Congo will travel to Guadalajara and Monterrey, where they will join five other nations battling for the final two slots at the expanded tournament. The Playoffs will be on 26 and 31 March 2026 at two venues in Mexico.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.