FIFA announced, Thursday, the suspension of the Congo Football Federation, effectively barring its national team from participating in international competitions. FIFA's decision stems from what it described as a «serious issue of interference» in the internal affairs of the Congolese federation. The controversy centers around the establishment of a special committee by Sports Minister Hugues Ngouélondélé, intended to manage the federation's activities. The FIFA Council Office declared that Congo's membership is suspended «until further notice». This means that both the national teams and clubs associated with the Congolese federation are prohibited from competing internationally until the suspension is lifted. This development comes as a notable disruption in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying process. Congo was initially drawn into Group F alongside Morocco. With Congo's suspension, the group now comprises only four teams: Morocco, Zambia, Tanzania, and Niger. It is worth noting that the Eritrean national team had already withdrawn prior to the commencement of the qualifiers. Morocco currently leads the group, maintaining a perfect score from their three matches. The suspension of Congo adds an unexpected twist to the qualifying journey, impacting the dynamics of Group F.
