FIFA Starts 100-Day Countdown to 2026 World Cup

FIFA launched the final 100-day countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, marking the approach of the tournament set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, with the opening match scheduled between Mexico and South Africa.

Despite this celebratory announcement, FIFA did not address the pending disciplinary verdict related to Nigeria's complaint against the Democratic Republic of Congo. This complaint arose following Nigeria's defeat to DR Congo in the African playoff final in November 2025, where Nigeria lost on penalties, allowing DR Congo to secure a place in the intercontinental playoff.

The Nigeria Football Federation subsequently petitioned FIFA in December 2025, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, specifically Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe, in violation of Congolese law regarding dual citizenship. As of now, FIFA has not issued a ruling on this matter, leading to frustration among Nigerian football stakeholders and fans regarding the lack of clarity on the World Cup qualification process.