FIFA World Cup Draw: Super Eagles absence leaves Group K to DR Congo playoff winner
Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup draw was keenly felt on Friday, as the Super Eagles would have been placed in Group K had they secured their CAF playoff spot and advanced to the intercontinental playoff next March.
Instead, DR Congo will contest that slot against either New Caledonia or Jamaica, with the winner earning the sole ticket. Had Nigeria been there, they would have been fancied to progress and join Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan in Group K.
Meanwhile, Ghana face a daunting challenge in Group L, where they have been drawn alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. Both England and Croatia reached the quarter-finals in Qatar, with Croatia also finishing third in that tournament and previously runners-up in Russia 2018.
Elsewhere, Morocco will meet Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C, while Senegal are set for a reunion with France, their opponents in the famous 2002 opener. South Africa will relive history against Mexico in the first game of the competition, echoing their 2010 World Cup curtain-raiser that ended 1-1. Group A will also feature South Korea and one of the playoff winners.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, will run from June 11 to July 19. It marks the largest edition in history, expanding to 48 teams for the first time.
