FIFA has initiated a 100-day countdown to the 2026 World Cup, touting it as the largest edition yet with 48 teams and 104 matches, while offering no update on Nigeria’s protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo’s qualification.
In a post on its official X account on Tuesday, FIFA declared: “The biggest-ever @FIFAWorldCup is just 100 days away! 48 teams. 104 games. 11 June to 19 July.”
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will kick off on June 11 with a match between Mexico and South Africa, described by FIFA as “the opening scene to the greatest show in the world.”
NFF’s petition claims violations
The announcement comes amid ongoing silence from FIFA regarding a complaint filed by the Nigeria Football Federation in December 2025, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during their African playoff final victory over Nigeria in November 2025.
The Super Eagles lost on penalties, allowing DR Congo to advance to intercontinental playoffs against either Jamaica or New Caledonia.
The NFF’s petition claims violations of Congolese citizenship laws and FIFA eligibility rules involving former England youth internationals Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, who switched allegiance to DR Congo.
FIFA acknowledged the review process but has provided no verdict more than two months later, drawing criticism from Nigerian football stakeholders and fans over the lack of transparency.
A successful appeal could lead to DR Congo’s disqualification, potentially reopening a qualification path for Nigeria in the expanded tournament.
