FIFA suspends Congo; 2026 World Cup qualifier cancelled

The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup qualifier between Tanzania and Congo, set for March 17, 2025, has been officially scrapped and has become the latest casualty of FIFA’s crackdown on governance breaches.

The cancellation stems from FIFA’s suspension of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) on February 6, 2025, due to third-party interference, a direct violation of FIFA statutes.

FIFA’s investigation, conducted alongside CAF, found that FECOFOOT had lost control over its headquarters and football operations, prompting a decisive ban that removed Congo from all international competitions.

Congo’s Fallout and the Impact on Group E

With their participation halted, Congo forfeits all remaining qualifiers, including their upcoming match against Zambia.

This effectively eliminates them from contention, a fate that seemed inevitable given their struggles; winless and bottom of the group with zero points after three matches. Their troubles began long before this suspension, including a forfeited fixture against Niger in June 2024 due to venue disputes.

For Tanzania, the cancellation reshapes their path in the qualifiers. The Taifa Stars, currently sitting second in Group E with six points from three matches, now have fewer obstacles but still face an uphill battle.

Heavyweights Morocco, alongside Zambia and Niger, remain in the fight for the group’s sole automatic qualification spot. Meanwhile, the four best runners-up from across all groups will enter a separate playoff round, making every point critical.

A Broader FIFA Crackdown

Congo is not the only federation facing FIFA’s iron fist. The global governing body has been tightening its grip on football governance, as seen with Pakistan’s suspension for similar administrative failures which was lifted earlier this year. FIFA has made it clear; political interference and mismanagement will not be tolerated.

As of now, Congo’s suspension has no end in sight, leaving their football future uncertain. For Tanzania and their fans, what could have been a straightforward, winnable match is now off the table, shifting focus to their September 2025 qualifiers. The road to the 2026 World Cup remains open, but the competition is far from over.