DR Congo Names Squad Amid Nigeria's Player Eligibility Petition

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has released its squad for the inter-confederation playoff scheduled in Mexico, where they will compete for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. This announcement comes in the wake of Nigeria's petition to FIFA concerning the eligibility of three players: Michel Ang Balikwisha, Mario Stroeyken, and Matheu Epolo.

Nigeria's concerns stem from the players' recent switches of national allegiance, which they argue may not have followed proper procedures. Balikwisha and Stroeyken, both Belgian-born and former Belgium youth internationals, had their switches approved by FIFA, but Nigeria contests their eligibility for the upcoming matches.

The DR Congo team, coached by Bastien Desabre, will face the winner of the playoff between Jamaica and New Caledonia on March 31, 2026, aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. The situation remains unresolved as FIFA has yet to make a decision regarding Nigeria's petition.