DR Congo names World Cup playoff squad amidst FIFA ruling

DR Congo national football team has released its squad for the intercontinental playoffs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite an ongoing eligibility dispute raised by Nigeria.

The squad announcement comes as the Nigeria Football Federation awaits a decision from FIFA on a petition challenging the eligibility of several players who represented DR Congo in earlier qualifying matches.

The Congolese list was released by head coach Sébastien Desabre and largely mirrors the squad that defeated the Nigeria national football team on penalties during the African playoffs in November 2025.

Eligibility dispute still unresolved

The NFF had earlier accused the Congolese football authorities of clearing players whose eligibility allegedly contravened the country’s citizenship rules.

According to documents referenced in the complaint, several foreign-born players were listed among those whose eligibility Nigeria is challenging.

Among the players mentioned in the petition were Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, and Cédric Bakambu.

Despite the dispute, most of the players referenced in Nigeria’s complaint have been included again in the squad for the upcoming playoff fixtures.

Only three players — Gideon Kalulu, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, and Mario Stroeykens, were omitted from the latest list.

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Final World Cup spot at stake

Nigeria’s complaint is currently before FIFA’s disciplinary committee, although a final ruling has yet to be issued.

Meanwhile, DR Congo will face the winner of the playoff between the Jamaican national football team and the New Caledonia national football team in the interconfederation playoffs.

The winner of that fixture will secure one of the final qualification spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.