DR Congo Names World Cup Playoff Squad Amid Nigeria's Pending FIFA Petition
The Democratic Republic of Congo has officially announced its squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff, scheduled to take place in Mexico later this month. This announcement comes despite an ongoing petition from the Nigeria Football Federation to FIFA, which alleges that DR Congo fielded ineligible foreign-born players during the qualifying process.
Background on the Controversial Playoff Qualification
DR Congo secured the African spot for the intercontinental playoffs by defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties, keeping their hopes alive for a place in the 2026 World Cup. However, the Nigeria Football Federation submitted a formal petition to FIFA on December 15, 2025, seeking to disqualify DR Congo. The NFF claims that DR Congo misled FIFA into approving nationality switches for several foreign-born stars, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Cedric Bakambu.
Four months after the petition was made public, FIFA has yet to issue a verdict, creating uncertainty just two weeks before the intercontinental playoffs are set to begin in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey.
DR Congo's Official Squad Announcement
Undeterred by the pending FIFA decision, DR Congo has proceeded with its preparations by releasing a comprehensive squad list on its official Instagram page. The squad includes many of the players whose eligibility has been questioned by Nigeria, signaling confidence that FIFA will rule in their favor.
The Leopards are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between Jamaica and New Caledonia on March 31, 2026. The squad announcement is seen as a strategic move to demonstrate readiness and focus amid the controversy.
Detailed Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers: Timothy Fayulu (FC Noah, Armenia), Lionel Mpasi (Le Havre, France), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liege, Belgium).
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham, England), Jeremy Ngakia (Watford, England), Jeremy Kayembe (KRC Genk, Belgium), Arthur Masuaku (AFC Sunderland, England), Steve Kapuadi (Legia Warsaw, Poland), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland), Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley, England), Chancel Mbemba (LOSC Lille, France), Dylan Batubisnika (AEL, Greece).
Midfielders: Noah Sadiki (Sunderland, England), Samuel Moutoussamy (Atromitos, Greece), Edo Kayembe (Watford, England), Ngal’ayel Mukau (LOSC Lille, France), Charles Pickel (RCD Espanyol, Spain), Nathanael Mbuku (Montpellier, France), Brian Cipenga (CD Castellon, Spain), Grady Diangana (Elche, Spain), Meschak Elia (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow, Russia).
Forwards: Fiston Mayele (Pyramids, Egypt), Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis, Spain), Simon Banza (Al Jazira, UAE), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United, England).
Implications for Nigeria and FIFA's Delayed Verdict
For Nigerian football fans, DR Congo's squad announcement has reignited concerns that their appeal may have been unsuccessful, with FIFA potentially delaying communication of the verdict. In response, the NFF has announced friendly matches for the Super Eagles, a routine procedure to ensure the team remains active in case FIFA dismisses the petition.
Respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana has publicly urged FIFA to expedite its decision, warning that further delays could hinder any potential appeals to the FIFA Appeal Chambers or the Court of Arbitration for Sport, regardless of the outcome.
The situation highlights the high stakes involved in World Cup qualification, with both nations anxiously awaiting FIFA's ruling as the playoff date approaches.
