Jamaica’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup faces potential disruption as Nigeria launches a formal challenge against the Democratic Republic of Congo’s qualification. The Super Eagles have filed an official complaint with world football’s governing body alleging their opponents fielded ineligible players during last month’s African play-off final.
The controversy centers on several players who recently switched international allegiance to represent DR Congo, including prominent figures Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. The Nigeria Football Federation contends these athletes violated FIFA regulations by holding dual citizenship despite Congolese law prohibiting the practice. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi asserted that FIFA was “deceived into clearing them” through what the federation considers fraudulent documentation.
Should FIFA uphold Nigeria’s protest, it would fundamentally alter the inter-confederation playoff structure. Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, initially scheduled to face New Caledonia in March with the winner advancing against DR Congo, might instead confront Nigeria for the coveted World Cup berth. This potential matchup would create a dramatic final qualification showdown between two nations separated by the Atlantic but connected through football’s global appeal.
The Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) has vehemently rejected the allegations, characterizing Nigeria’s challenge as an attempt to “win via the back door.” In a strongly worded social media statement, Fecofa declared that World Cup qualification should be determined “with dignity and confidence, not with lawyers’ tricks,” while simultaneously welcoming the formal investigation.
The impending FIFA ruling carries significant implications for all involved federations, potentially reshaping the final qualifying landscape for the 2026 World Cup scheduled across North America and Mexico.