🔴 World Cup 2026: an African country suspended by FIFA (Official)

As the qualifications for the 2026 World Cup resume this month, FIFA officially announced on Monday, March 3 a decision with significant consequences: the suspension of Congo for political interference. This sanction profoundly alters the configuration of the African qualifiers' Group F.

An undeniable sanction

In a report published on its official website, the world football governing body justified this suspension by "a particularly serious situation of unlawful third-party interference" in the management of the Congolese federation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, initially subject to a ban due to non-compliance with the new statutory provisions imposed by FIFA, was finally reinstated on Monday after the approval of a new constitution meeting the international organization's requirements. Overview:

Congo disqualified, Group F reshuffled

With this sanction, Congo is excluded from the remainder of the qualifications, and its remaining matches are canceled. Direct consequence: Group F, which initially had five teams, now has four with Morocco, Tanzania, Zambia, and Niger.

The "Red Devils," last in the standings with zero points after four matchdays, see their journey end prematurely. FIFA confirmed that the matches of the other nations in the group will proceed as planned, without any schedule changes.

Current standings of Group F:

Morocco: 9 points

Tanzania: 6 points

Niger: 6 points

Zambia: 3 points

Congo: 0 points (disqualified)

This decision could reshuffle the deck for the teams in contention as the race for qualifying spots intensifies. A situation that will undoubtedly benefit some teams, but marks a brutal halt for Congolese football.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.