2026 World Cup: DR Congo defy Nigeria, target more foreign nationals despite ongoing FIFA petition

DR Congo are pressing ahead with their 2026 World Cup plans without hesitation, ramping up efforts to recruit foreign-based players.

This move comes even as Nigeria await FIFA’s ruling on a contentious eligibility dispute that could reshape the qualification picture.

With the March international break looming large, DR Congo are acting like a nation with unfinished business. According to Foot Mercato, the Leopards are doubling down on plans to strengthen their squad by tapping into the diaspora, targeting a wave of France-trained talents ahead of the decisive inter-confederation play-offs.

Two names are already locked in. AC Milan midfielder Warren Bondo, currently on loan at Cremonese, and Villarreal defender Willy Kambwala have both agreed to commit their international futures to DR Congo. Both represented France at youth level but are now set to switch allegiance, a move that underlines the federation’s growing pull among European-based prospects.

The list doesn’t stop there. DR Congo are also exploring moves for Nottingham Forest duo Dilane Bakwa and Arnaud Kalimuendo, with Kalimuendo currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt. Like Bondo and Kambwala, both have worn French colours at youth level, making them high-profile targets.

Beyond that, the recruitment net is being cast wide. Players such as Bradley Locko, Obed Nkambadio, Jean-Victor Makengo, Marc Bola, Samuel Mbangula, Anthony Musaba, Jordy Makengo, Antoni Milambo, Alonzo Engwanda and Ezechiel Banzuzi are all on DR Congo’s radar. It’s a bold approach, one that signals intent rather than uncertainty, even with FIFA scrutiny hovering in the background.

While DR Congo build, Nigeria wait. The Nigeria Football Federation remains confident that FIFA will rule in their favour following a petition lodged after November’s World Cup play-off defeat at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. That loss, settled by penalties, appeared to shut the door on the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes.

Weeks later, the NFF formally accused DR Congo of fielding ineligible players, citing alleged breaches of FIFA’s eligibility rules around dual nationality. Despite criticism from former captain and coach Sunday Oliseh, the federation insists the complaint is well-founded.

NFF General Secretary Dr Sanusi Mohammed made that stance clear, saying: “We have a good case. We don’t venture into what we know is an exercise in futility.” He added: “As far as we are concerned we have a good case and we are waiting for what FIFA will say as regards to the complaints we have logged.”

For now, DR Congo remain listed as Africa’s representatives in the inter-confederation play-offs, scheduled for March 26 and 31, 2026, in Mexico. They will face teams including Iraq, Jamaica or New Caledonia, Suriname and Bolivia, with two World Cup spots up for grabs.

Should FIFA side with Nigeria, the Super Eagles could yet find an unexpected route back into contention. Until then, DR Congo are moving forward at full speed, acting like a team that fully expects to be on the plane to North America.