Nigeria will miss him FIFA World Cup 2026 for the second time in a row, after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations were dashed after a 4-3 loss to DR Congo in the African play-off final, following a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) subsequently lodged an official protest, citing anomalies in the issuance of passports 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 qualification for the tournament.
With all 48 participating countries having announced their 26-man squads for the FIFA World Cupwhich runs from June 11 to July 19, a number of Nigerian-born players will represent England, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, the United States and Norway.
Nigerians playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
These are the players of Nigerian descent who are expected to compete in the 2026 World Cup.
David Alaba (Austria)
David Alaba he was born in Vienna, to a Yoruba Nigerian father from Ogere, Ogun State, and a Filipina mother. He made almost 100 appearances for the Austrian national team.
Michael Olise (France)
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise was born in England to a British-Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother. After representing France at youth level, he decided to play for Les Bleus, and Didier Deschamps selected him for the final team.
Bukayo Saka (England)
Born in London to Nigerian Yoruba parents, the Arsenal star became a key 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 raised in England. The Monaco forward has decided to represent the United States at the senior level.
Eberechi Eze (England)
Eberechi EzeAn Igbo Nigerian, he was born in London. He joined Arsenal in January and helped the club win the 2025/26 English Premier League.
Noni Madueke (England)
Noni Maduekea footballer of Nigerian Igbo descent, is expected to improve England’s attacking options.
Carney Chukwuemeka (Austria)
Carney Chukwuemeka was born in Vienna to Nigerian parents before moving to England. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder played for England at youth level before moving to Austria in March 2026.
Owen Goodman (Canada)
Owen Goodman has Nigerian ancestry through his mother. Despite efforts to confirm his eligibility, the goalkeeper sought Canadian citizenship and turned down an offer from Nigeria pending approval.
After completing the procedure in October 2025, he received his first call-up to the Canadian national team for friendlies against Ecuador and Venezuela the following month.
Name Okon (South Africa)
The name 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 woman and an Igbo Nigerian father.
Tani Oluwaseyi (Canada)
Tani Oluwaseyi was born in Nigeria and immigrated to Canada at the age of ten. He made his debut for Canada in 2024.
Promise David (Canada)
Promise David was born in Canada to Nigerian parents. He previously played for the Nigerian U-23 team before switching allegiance.
Manuel Akanji (Switzerland)
Manuel Akanji he was born to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father. He was critical to Inter’s Serie A and Coppa Italia victories 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 recently returned to action after an injury.
