The battle for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is unfolding off the field: FIFA is reviewing Nigeria's complaint about potential violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo national team's lineup. If the complaint is upheld, Nigeria could replace Congo in the intercontinental play-offs, potentially altering Uzbekistan's group stage opponent.
In November 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo national team defeated Nigeria in the African play-off (1:1 in regular time and 4:3 in a penalty shootout), securing the right to participate in intercontinental play-offs for a place in the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria was left without a direct qualification spot.
In December 2025, the group stage draw for the 2026 World Cup was held in Washington. Uzbekistan's national team was placed in Group K, where its opponents are Portugal, Colombia, and the winner of the qualification playoff (Democratic Republic of Congo / Jamaica / New Caledonia).
The Nigerian Football Federation filed an official complaint with FIFA, alleging that players in the Democratic Republic of Congo national team did not meet requirements for citizenship and sporting eligibility changes.
According to the Nigerian side, up to 9 players held European passports and had not completed the procedure to renounce previous citizenship, while the legislation of the Democratic Republic of Congo does not permit dual citizenship.
FIFA initially rejected the complaint in December 2025, stating that having a valid passport of the country the player represents is sufficient grounds for eligibility.
However, in mid-February, several media outlets reported that FIFA's disciplinary bodies are re-examining the case of one player whose procedure to change football citizenship allegedly was not fully completed at the time of the match.
According to unconfirmed information, the disciplinary committee could award the Democratic Republic of Congo national team a technical defeat with a score of 0:3, allowing Nigeria to take its place in the intercontinental play-offs. In this case, the Congolese side would retain the right to appeal.
Despite reports on social media about an "official disqualification," the legal situation remains complex. FIFA's final decision may be announced later, and a possible appeal process could affect the participant lineup before the March matches begin.
Source: kun.uz