DR Congo Ignore NFF Protest, Focus On World Cup Play-Off

DR Congo Ignore NFF Protest, Focus On World Cup Play-Off
Nigeria challenges nationality switch of some Congolese players in squad
DR Congo aim for first World Cup appearance since 1974

DR Congo national football team have continued preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-off despite an ongoing protest by the Nigeria Football Federation over player eligibility.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Nigeria’s complaint followed DR Congo’s 4-3 penalty shootout victory against the Super Eagles in last November’s African play-off final.

The NFF is questioning the eligibility of some Congolese players over an alleged improper switch of nationality.

As the dispute awaits official resolution, DR Congo have left out Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Mario Stroeykens from their 26-man squad for the next phase.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre said the team remains focused on securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We’re really fired up. We’re still on course to meet our main objective. That’s the goal we set ourselves when I took this job three and a half years ago. This final will be our 13th match since our qualifying campaign began. It’s definitely been a long road to get here and we’ve worked our way through every stage,” Desabre told FIFA.

DR Congo are scheduled to travel to Mexico for the play-offs, with matches to be held in Guadalajara and Monterrey, where six teams will compete for the final two spots at the expanded 2026 tournament.

They will face either Jamaica national football team or New Caledonia national football team in the play-off final on March 31 in Guadalajara, with a World Cup place at stake.

Desabre expressed confidence ahead of the decisive fixture.

He said, “We’re not afraid of anyone. We’re going to give it our all.

“As a minimum, we need to replicate the kind of performance we delivered against Nigeria (a match which DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time). We know all about Jamaica and New Caledonia. We’ve been scouting them. We’ll also have the chance to watch them play in Mexico on March 26, but for now we’re focusing on our own players.”