Nigeria Qualifies for World Cup Playoffs as FIFA Disqualifies DR Congo

FIFA has finally ruled on the case between Super Eagles of Nigeria and DR Congo. See full judgement below

FIFA DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE

(Under the authority of FIFA Regulations and the 2026 World Cup Qualification Framework)

IN THE MATTER OF:

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
v.
The Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA)

RE: Eligibility Dispute – 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers (Best Losers Playoff Round)

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DECISION AND RULING

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I. Background
1.The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), representing the Nigeria national football team, filed a formal protest following the Best Losers Playoff match against the DR Congo national football team.
2.The playoff match was held to determine qualification for the final African slot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
3.The match concluded with a 2–1 victory in favor of DR Congo, provisionally granting them advancement.
4.Nigeria’s protest alleged that Player X who appeared and scored during the match, was ineligible to represent DR Congo due to an incomplete nationality switch process under FIFA eligibility regulations.

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II. Jurisdiction
5.The FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirms jurisdiction pursuant to Articles 52 and 54 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes regarding player eligibility.

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III. Findings of Fact

After reviewing:
•The official match report,
•Player registration documentation,
•Correspondence between FECOFA and FIFA’s Players’ Status Department,
•Evidence submitted by both federations,

The Committee finds:
6.Player X previously represented another national association at youth competitive level.
7.Under FIFA Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes, a player seeking to change association must:
•Submit a formal request for change of association;
•Receive written approval from FIFA;
•Await official confirmation before participating in an “A” international match.
8.While Player X had initiated the nationality switch process, the required formal approval from FIFA had not been issued prior to the Best Losers Playoff match.
9.No provisional clearance or temporary authorization had been granted.
10.The player therefore did not meet the eligibility requirements at the time of participation.

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IV. Applicable Regulations
11.Article 9 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes stipulates that a player may only represent a new association after approval of the change of association request.
12.Article 21 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code provides that a team fielding an ineligible player shall forfeit the match.
13.Playoff matches are considered official competition matches and are subject to strict eligibility compliance.

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V. Decision

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Accordingly, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee rules as follows:
1.Player X of the DR Congo national football team was ineligible at the time of the Best Losers Playoff match due to an incomplete nationality switch.
2.DR Congo is deemed to have fielded an ineligible player.
3.The playoff match is declared forfeited.
4.The result is recorded as:
•DR Congo 0 – 3 Nigeria
5.The Nigeria national football team is declared winner of the Best Losers Playoff Round.
6.Nigeria is thereby awarded qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
7.The DR Congo national football team is disqualified from the playoff pathway but retains the right to appeal before the FIFA Appeals Committee.

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VI. Observations

The Committee emphasizes that nationality switch procedures are fundamental to preserving competitive integrity in international football. Participation without formal approval, even if administrative processing is underway, constitutes a clear regulatory violation.

Strict compliance is mandatory, particularly in high-stakes playoff fixtures determining World Cup qualification.