World Cup Qualifiers
NFF denies FIFA rejection reports in DR Congo eligibility dispute
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Ten days after reports claimed FIFA dismissed Nigeria's protest over DR Congo players' eligibility in the 2026 World Cup African playoff, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) refuted those claims. Secretary General Dr Mohammed Sanusi said no official decision has been received, with the matter still under review.
Following their semifinal advances, Demokratiska Republiken Kongo faces Jamaica tonight in Mexico for one of two remaining 2026 World Cup spots, while Iraq takes on Bolivia early Wednesday. The winners will join 46 other teams at the tournament. All four nations have prior World Cup experience but limited success.
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Jamaica's Reggae Boyz secured their place in the intercontinental playoff final with a 1-0 win over New Caledonia, setting up a clash with DR Congo. Bolivia advanced past Surinam on penalties to face Iraq, determining the final two spots for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA conducted the draws for the European and intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 World Cup on November 20, 2025, in Zurich, setting the stage for six remaining qualification spots. Sixteen European teams will compete in four paths, while six non-European teams battle in two pathways hosted in Mexico. The winners will join 42 already qualified nations at the expanded tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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The November FIFA men's world rankings highlight shifts across global football, with Spain holding the top spot and Brazil rising to fifth. African powerhouses like Morocco lead the continent, while Asian teams such as Japan and Iran also advanced. Greece climbed two places to 46th following recent World Cup qualifiers.
Portugal secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 9-1 victory over Armenia in their final Group F qualifier on November 16, 2025. Hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves powered the win at Estádio do Dragão in Porto, despite Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension. The result ensures Portugal tops the group and advances to a record-extending seventh consecutive tournament appearance.
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Norway's Erling Haaland leads the top scorers in the European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 14 goals from seven games. The Manchester City striker is six goals ahead of his nearest rivals, Netherlands' Memphis Depay and Austria's Marko Arnautović, both on eight.
Sweden and Denmark advance in World Cup play-off semi-finals
March 23, 2026 04:47Gattuso admits nerves ahead of Italy's World Cup playoff
March 15, 2026 09:40FIFA sanctions Nigeria and DR Congo over World Cup qualifiers
January 25, 2026 05:24Kuwait equestrian season packed with international events
December 18, 2025 19:32FIFA dismisses Nigeria's protest over DR Congo player eligibility
November 17, 2025 04:02Sweden's WC qualifier against Slovenia is meaningless but risky
November 17, 2025 00:26DR Congo beats Nigeria on penalties in CAF World Cup playoff final
November 16, 2025 10:32England defeats Albania 2-0 to complete perfect World Cup qualifying campaign
November 16, 2025 08:31Norway secures 2026 World Cup spot with 4-1 victory over Italy
November 16, 2025 05:22France beats Azerbaijan 3-1 despite disastrous start