Nigeria Crash Out of 2026 World Cup Race After DR Congo Win on Penalties

Nigeria have been eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying after losing on penalties

Nigeria will not play at the 2026 World Cup after they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by DR Congo in a play-off in Rabat.

Nigeria: 3 ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌
DR Congo: 4 ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅

It was the second match in this international window that stretched beyond regular time, but unlike their previous outing, there were no extra-time breakthroughs after the game finished 1-1 across 120 minutes.

Nigeria penalties scored: Adams, Onyemaechi, Ejuke; Nigeria penalties missed/saved: Bassey, Simon, Ajayi.
DR Congo penalties scored: Sadiki, Mayele, Balikwisha, Mbemba; DR Congo penalties saved: Moutoussamy, Tuanzebe.

DR Congo have progressed to the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March 2026.