Sales of tickets for the World Cup playoff begin with DR Congo listed, but Dikko is still optimistic about the Super Eagles' chances

Fresh developments have emerged in the race for the final slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The global football governing body, FIFA, officially opened ticket sales for the intercontinental play-off tournament on Thursday, confirming the participating nations and match venues.

The announcement, which includes the Democratic Republic of Congo among the contenders, comes amid lingering controversy surrounding Nigeria's protest over the eligibility of some Congolese players during the African qualifying play-offs last year.

According to FIFA, the mini-tournament will be staged in Mexico later this month, with matches scheduled for 26 March and 31 March in two host cities: Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.

Ticket prices range from MXN200 to MXN300 (approximately $11.50 to $17.50) and are available through FIFA's official ticketing platform.

Six teams chase final World Cup slots

The play-off tournament will feature six teams from different confederations competing for two remaining places at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The participating nations are Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, Suriname, and DR Congo.

Guadalajara will host Pathway 1, where Jamaica, New Caledonia, and DR Congo will compete for one qualifying spot.

Meanwhile, Pathway 2 in Monterrey will feature Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq battling for the other ticket to the World Cup.

The tournament format will see two semi-final matches played on 26 March, before the decisive finals on 31 March determine the last two teams to qualify for the global showpiece.

Nigeria's hopes of reaching the play-offs were dashed last November after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final round of the African qualifying play-offs.

Following that defeat, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a formal complaint with FIFA questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.

Nigeria's petition centres on the argument that DR Congo's domestic law does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising questions about players who reportedly hold European passports while representing the Leopards.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said the federation believed some players may not have met the nationality requirements under Congolese law.

"As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them," he explained earlier.

However, the NFF has repeatedly clarified that FIFA has not yet issued any official ruling on the matter.

The federation's Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, previously dismissed reports circulating online suggesting that FIFA had already ruled in favour of either Nigeria or DR Congo.

FIFA retains the authority to investigate allegations of fraud or document falsification relating to player eligibility. If wrongdoing is established, sanctions could range from match forfeitures to player bans.

However, with ticket sales already underway and DR Congo listed among the participating teams, the Leopards are currently preparing for the play-off tournament. At the same time, the world football body remains silent on Nigeria's petition.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, is an incurable optimist.

Dikko believed the DR Congo being listed among teams for the playoff round is not final.

Speaking with The Guardian, Dikko said the listing by FIFA does not imply that the case has been decided, stressing that the matter is still undergoing review by the relevant authorities.

According to him, the football governing body operates a legal process where teams are presumed innocent until a final decision is reached.

“If you go to the court of law, they say you are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. All the processes are ongoing, and the judge has not made a decision yet,” he said.

Dikko explained that the dispute has been referred to an independent adjudicating body within FIFA’s structure, which will determine whether Nigeria’s complaint has merit.

He noted that while DR Congo has been listed among the participating teams in the playoff, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the legal process.

He also clarified that such cases are not decided directly by FIFA’s administrative office but by independent committees set up to handle disciplinary and eligibility disputes.

“It is not FIFA’s duty directly. They have independent bodies that deal with these issues, and we must wait for the final pronouncement,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria has already filed its complaint and believes it has a case, but the outcome will ultimately depend on the adjudicating panel’s decision.

Dikko added that until a final ruling is delivered, football authorities and teams involved must continue preparations as scheduled while awaiting the decision.