Nigeria will miss the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the second time in a row, having failed to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations were dashed after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the African play-off final, which followed a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently filed a formal protest, alleging anomalies in passport issuance that allowed some DR Congo players to participate in the match.
However, FIFA dismissed the petition in March, upholding the outcome and guaranteeing DR Congo’s qualifying to the tournament.
With all 48 participating countries having released their 26-man squads for the FIFA World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, numerous Nigerian-born players will represent England, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, and Norway.
Nigerians Playing at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Here are the players of Nigerian descent who are expected to compete in the 2026 World Cup.
David Alaba (Austria)
David Alaba was born in Vienna, the son of a Yoruba Nigerian father from Ogere, Ogun State, and a Filipino mother. He has made almost 100 appearances for the Austrian national team.
Michael Olise (france)
Bayern Munich’s winger Michael Olise was born in England to a British-Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother. After representing France at the youth level, he chose to play for Les Bleus and was picked for the final team by Didier Deschamps.
Bukayo Saka (England)
Born in London to Yoruba Nigerian parents, the Arsenal star has become a crucial player for England. In 2023, Bukayo Saka visited Nigeria and posted a video on Instagram with the comment, “Ẹ kúulé o [Yoruba greeting from a guest to people he meets at home]! Thank you for your warm greeting.
Folarin Balogun (USA)
Folarin Balogun was born in the United States to Nigerian parents and grew up in England. The Monaco striker decided to represent the United States at the senior level.
Eberechi Eze (England)
Eberechi Eze, an Igbo Nigerian, was born in London. He joined Arsenal in January and helped the club win the English Premier League in 2025/26.
Noni Madueke (England)
Noni Madueke, a footballer of Igbo Nigerian ancestry, is expected to improve England’s attacking options.
Carney Chukwuemeka (Austria)
Carney Chukwuemeka was born in Vienna to Nigerian parents before relocating to England. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder played for England at youth level until transferring to Austria in March 2026.
Owen Goodman (Canada)
Owen Goodman has Nigerian ancestry through his mother. Despite efforts to verify his eligibility, the goalkeeper pursued Canadian citizenship and turned down an offer from Nigeria while awaiting clearance.
Following the completion of the procedure in October 2025, he received his first call-up to the Canadian national team for friendly matches against Ecuador and Venezuela the next month.
Ime Okon (South Africa)
Ime Okon was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother. The Hannover defender was overlooked for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Felix Nmecha (Germany)
Felix Nmecha, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, is the son of a German mother and an Igbo Nigerian father.
Tani Oluwaseyi (Canada)
Tani Oluwaseyi was born in Nigeria and immigrated to Canada at the age of ten. He debuted for Canada in 2024.
Promise David (Canada)
Promise David was born in Canada to Nigerian parents. He formerly played for Nigeria’s U-23 squad before switching allegiance.
Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)
Manuel Akanji was born to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father. He was critical to Inter Milan’s Serie A and Coppa Italia triumphs in the 2025/26 season.
Noah Okafor (Switzerland)
Noah Okafor has Nigerian heritage from his father. His younger brothers, Elijah and Isaiah, are both players.
Antonio Nusa (Norway)
Antonio Nusa, who plays for RB Leipzig, was born in Norway to a Nigerian father and a Norwegian mother.
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Jamal Musiala was born in Germany to a Nigerian-British father and a German mother. The Bayern Munich player has recently returned to service after an injury.
