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.
Sweden defeated Ukraine 3-1 and Denmark beat North Macedonia 4-0 in the World Cup play-off semi-finals on Thursday evening. Both teams delivered strong second-half performances to secure their places in next week's finals. The matches were part of eight European ties and one inter-confederation clash vying for spots in the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
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Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has acknowledged feeling nervous before Thursday's World Cup playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland. The Azzurri seek to reach the tournament for the first time in 12 years. Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has been ruled out of the match.
Sweden's final WC qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday holds no qualification stakes, but nine players risk suspension for the March playoffs with a single yellow card. Coach Graham Potter is carefully considering lineup options. Despite the risks, players like Victor Nilsson Lindelöf and Emil Krafth want to give their all on the pitch.
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DR Congo advanced to the inter-confederation playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the CAF playoff final. Frank Onyeka scored early for Nigeria, but Meschack Elia equalized before the break in Rabat. Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty to shatter Nigeria's hopes.
England will conclude their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania in Tirana on Sunday, with the Three Lions already secured as Group K winners. Albania have earned a play-off spot after a 1-0 victory over Andorra and aim to defeat England for the first time. The match carries little stakes for either side but offers a chance for both teams to build momentum.
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In Graham Potter's first match as Sweden's coach, the team lost 1–4 to Switzerland in the World Cup qualifier in Geneva. Despite a strong start, the game collapsed after a controversial penalty. Second place in the group is now out of reach, with Sweden focusing on the March playoff.
FIFA 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
December 17, 2025 23:36Nigeria petitions FIFA over DR Congo player eligibility
November 29, 2025 08:57Qatar gears up for FIFA Arab Cup 2025 with over 700,000 tickets sold
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
November 16, 2025 00:54Portugal thrashes Armenia 9-1 to qualify for 2026 World Cup
November 15, 2025 15:58Erling Haaland tops European Qualifiers scoring chart