DR Congo Press On With World Cup Play-off Plans Amid Nigeria Eligibility Protest

DR Congo are continuing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-off despite an ongoing protest by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over player eligibility.

Nigeria’s complaint follows DR Congo’s 4-3 penalty shootout win against the Super Eagles in last November’s African play-off final.

The federation is questioning the eligibility of some Congolese players over an alleged improper switch of nationality.

Naija News reports that DR Congo have omitted Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from their 26-man squad for the next phase as the matter awaits official resolution.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre said the team remains focused on securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We’re really fired up. We’re still on course to meet our main objective. That’s the goal we set ourselves when I took this job three and a half years ago. This final will be our 13th match since our qualifying campaign began. It’s definitely been a long road to get here and we’ve worked our way through every stage,” Desabre told FIFA.

DR Congo are scheduled to travel to Mexico, with matches to be played in Guadalajara and Monterrey, where six teams will compete for the final two places at the expanded 2026 World Cup.

They will face either Jamaica or New Caledonia in the play-off final on March 31 in Guadalajara, with a place at the tournament at stake.

Desabre expressed confidence ahead of the decisive fixture. He said, “We’re not afraid of anyone. We’re going to give it our all.

“As a minimum, we need to replicate the kind of performance we delivered against Nigeria (a match which DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time). We know all about Jamaica and New Caledonia. We’ve been scouting them. We’ll also have the chance to watch them play in Mexico on March 26, but for now we’re focusing on our own players.”

A victory in the play-off would secure DR Congo’s first appearance at the World Cup since 1974.