FIFA considers disqualifying a team from the World Cup, replacement candidate emerges

Nigeria retains an opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup pending a significant ruling from FIFA, given that the potential expulsion of another squad from the competition remains a possibility.

In just four months, the planet's biggest football festival will kick off in North America, co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, expanded from the 32-team format maintained until 2022.

Nevertheless, several major teams have yet to secure their qualification. Currently, only the final six slots remain undecided, with four of those reserved for European teams winning the UEFA play-off round. Nigeria is among the teams at risk of missing the World Cup. However, the situation could change if FIFA decides to expel another team from the tournament.

Last November, DR Congo defeated the "Super Eagles" to advance to the intercontinental play-off for a place in the finals. This match is scheduled for March 31, against either New Caledonia or Jamaica. Following that game, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a complaint with FIFA in December, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players.

According to the complaint, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, two players who previously represented England youth teams, were ineligible to play because Congolese law does not permit dual citizenship.

Upon receiving the complaint, FIFA confirmed the matter is under review but has not provided a specific timeline for a final decision. The NFF asserts that their complaint has not been dismissed. NFF Communications Director Demola Olajire stated: “Reports claiming a verdict has been reached are untrue. FIFA has not communicated any decision to us or to the Congolese Federation.”

Wan-Bissaka is one of the players Nigeria contends was ineligible. Meanwhile, both Tuanzebe and Wan-Bissaka later featured in the DR Congo squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said: “I reiterate, Congolese law does not allow dual nationality, yet some of their players hold European and French passports. Our position is that FIFA was misled in approving their eligibility.”

For its part, the Congolese Football Federation completely rejects the accusation, calling it an attempt to "win through the back door." Should FIFA rule that DR Congo violated regulations, the exact scenario remains unclear. Potential sanctions could include a warning, a fine, or more severely, a forfeit awarding victory to Nigeria.