This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Fifa
A few months before the next deadlines for African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA announced last Wednesday the lifting of the suspension imposed on the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofoot). This decision allows the Red Devils to reintegrate the E group alongside Morocco, Zambia, Tanzania and Niger, in the race for qualification for the World Cup, planned in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The suspension, imposed on February 6, 2025 due to suspicion of political interference had excluded Congo-Brazzaville from international competitions, causing three defeats on green carpet against Niger, Tanzania and Zambia during the 3rd, 5th and 6th days.
FIFA raised this sanction after the Executive Committee, led by Jean Guy Blaise Mayolas, resumed total control of the federation’s seat, thus meeting the conditions set by the International Football body. Currently, the Red Devils occupy 5th place in group E, ahead of Eritrea, which had withdrawn before the start of the playoffs.
This reintegration upsets the calculations of Morocco, undisputed leader of the group with 15 points in five games, while a draw against Niger, on September 1, 2025, would have been enough to ensure the direct qualification, the Atlas Lions, under the leadership of Walid Regragui, will now have to win this duel to get their ticket without depending on the other results. Morocco will then face Zambia on September 8, before closing the playoffs against Congo-Brazzaville in October, during the 10th and last day.
