Will FIFA Disallow DR Congo's WC Qualification? Players Breached Nationality Rules?

With the African Cup of Nations knocking at the door, DR Congo seems to be in the mud. FIFA has opened an investigation into them, after the Nigerian football federation allegedly reported that the national football team has picked ineligible DR Congo players who hold dual nationality.

DR Congo WC qualification remains on hold, and if FIFA finds them guilty, then they could have been dropped, and Nigeria will go into the FIFA World Cup 2026. This can also affect DR Congo's AFCON campaign, due to the footballers nationality law.

Have DR Congo Player Breached FIFA Eligibility Regulations?

The Super Eagles were knocked out by DR Congo on penalties for Africa's intercontinental qualifying spot. However, the result is under investigation of FIFA eligibility regulations, following the illegal fit of DR Congo players in the DR Congo WC qualification squad.

The inquiry reportedly focuses on nine DR Congo players who switched nationalities without fully fulfilling the administrative and legal requirements set forth by FIFA eligibility regulations and Congolese law. Former Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is among the nine names who hold an English passport; still, he helped in the DR Congo WC qualification.

Footballers Nationality Law: Past Incident

Before DR Congo's incident, Malaysia found themselves in the same situation. In 2024, Malaysia played an Asian Games qualifier against Vietnam; in that match, they thrashed the Vietnamese team with a 4-0 scoreline. However, a formal complaint regarding the eligibility of several prominent players to represent Malaysia was received by FIFA, the sport's governing body, days after the victory.

So-called “heritage players”, individuals allegedly of Malaysian descent who were granted citizenship to represent the Southeast Asian nation, made up a large portion of the players. Five of the players who faced Vietnam were only granted citizenship the week before kickoff, it was soon discovered.

What Consequences Can DR Congo Face?

If FIFA finds DR Congo players guilty, then the Nigeria national football team, which finished third in the group stage below Congo, will directly qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This situation might also affect the DR Congo national football team, gearing up to feature in the AFCON.