With exactly 100 days to kick-off, anticipation is building for the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament will mark a new era for global football as the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, spread across 16 host cities in North America.
Read Also: NOC President Habu Gumel Charges BFN’s New Board: ‘Move Badminton To Greater Height’
While host nations continue to fine-tune logistics, infrastructure and commercial activities ahead of the June kick-off, uncertainty still hangs over parts of the qualification process—particularly in Africa—where a major eligibility dispute involving Nigeria and DR Congo remains unresolved.
Less Than 25 Days to Intercontinental Playoffs
The situation has taken on added urgency with fewer than 25 days remaining before the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs, scheduled for late March.
These playoffs will determine the final teams to complete the World Cup lineup.
At present, DR Congo is listed as Africa’s representative for the intercontinental playoffs following their penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the CAF qualification playoff final last November.
However, Nigeria’s hopes of re-entering the qualification race have not been extinguished, as the matter has shifted from the pitch to the legal and administrative arena.
FIFA Yet to Rule on Nigeria vs DR Congo Case
World football’s governing body, FIFA, is yet to issue a verdict on a formal petition submitted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The petition alleges that DR Congo fielded several ineligible players during the decisive qualifier.
According to the NFF, some of the players in question failed to fully comply with nationality switch regulations and domestic legal requirements, which could render them ineligible under FIFA statutes.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations—and the rapidly approaching intercontinental playoffs—FIFA has so far remained silent.
The delay has left the Super Eagles in a state of uncertainty, unsure whether to prepare for a possible late inclusion in the playoffs or to accept elimination from the race to North America 2026.
A Countdown Marked by Unanswered Questions
As FIFA celebrates the 100-day milestone with promotional campaigns and global countdowns, the unresolved Nigeria–DR Congo case continues to cast a shadow over the build-up.
For Nigeria—a nation with a strong World Cup pedigree and one of Africa’s largest football followings—the lack of clarity is particularly frustrating.
With just weeks to go before the intercontinental playoffs, pressure is mounting on FIFA to provide a definitive ruling, not only for the affected teams but also for the integrity and credibility of the qualification process.
As the world edges closer to kick-off, one critical question remains unanswered: will Nigeria still have a chance to be part of the biggest and most expansive FIFA World Cup in history?
