In the CAF qualification process for the 2026 World Cup (expanded to 48 teams, giving Africa 9 direct slots + 1 inter-confederation playoff spot): The group stage featured 9 groups of 6 teams each.
The winner of each group qualified automatically.
The four best runners-up advanced to a CAF playoff mini-tournament for the inter-confederation spot.
In Group C, South Africa finished first with 18 points and automatically qualified. Nigeria finished second with 17 points (4 wins, 5 draws, 1 loss, +7 GD). They advanced to the CAF playoffs as one of the top runners-up. In the CAF playoffs played in November 2025 in Rabat, Morocco, Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 in the semi-final.
DR Congo advanced by beating Cameroon. In the final, Nigeria drew 1-1 with DR Congo but lost 3-4 on penalties. DR Congo thus earned Africa’s inter-confederation playoff spot (they are now in the March 2026 FIFA Play-off Tournament). Nigeria did not automatically qualify—they missed direct entry by finishing second in their group and then lost in the CAF playoff final.
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There has been an ongoing dispute: Nigeria appealed to FIFA alleging DR Congo fielded ineligible players (e.g., issues with nationality switches or eligibility rules). This protest was filed in December 2025, and as of mid-February 2026, FIFA’s final decision is still pending or awaited. Reports of imminent rulings, emergency meetings, and mixed/unconfirmed claims Nigeria won the case and qualified, but official sources like FIFA, BBC, and recent news indicate no final resolution yet, and Nigeria’s federation appears to be moving on with other plans like friendlies).
No credible official source from FIFA or major outlets confirms Nigeria has been awarded automatic qualification or reinstated. The most recent indications suggest their chances are slim or fading, with no automatic qualification achieved through standard results.
Nigeria has not qualified to the 2026 World Cup, unless FIFA overturns the playoff result in their favor—which has not happened yet.