Cameroon and Nigeria Linked to Russia’s ‘Alternative World Cup’ Plan

Cameroon and Nigeria, both eliminated by DR Congo in the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, may find themselves invited to an unusual tournament next summer.

Reports from European outlets, including Onet, suggest that the Russian Football Federation is planning an ‘alternative World Cup’ featuring nations that failed to qualify for the official competition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The proposed event, penciled in for June 2026, would run parallel to the FIFA World Cup. Early drafts of the format reportedly include two groups: Russia, Serbia, Chile, and Nigeria in one; Greece, Peru, Venezuela, and Cameroon in the other.

Russia, suspended from FIFA competitions since 2022 due to the war in Ukraine, is said to be using the idea as a way to maintain visibility on the global stage and exert pressure in hopes of being readmitted in time for the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal.

While nothing has been confirmed, the plan highlights Moscow’s determination to remain relevant in international football.

In the meantime, Russia has filled the void with a series of friendlies, playing ten matches this year alone. Nigeria drew 1-1 with Russia in June, while Cameroon lost 1-0 to them in October 2022, showing that sporting ties have continued despite political tensions.

For Nigeria and Cameroon, participation in such a parallel tournament could offer a rare chance to compete at a high level while the rest of the world focuses on the FIFA World Cup.

Yet the bigger question is whether FIFA would tolerate a rival competition running at the same time.

Such a move could disrupt broadcasting rights and create an unprecedented scenario of two global tournaments unfolding simultaneously. Even if the alternative event lacks the prestige of the official World Cup, its potential impact makes it a story worth watching closely.