FIFA has officially opened an investigation into Equatorial Guinea after the national team failed to appear for a recent World Cup qualifying fixture. The probe could have serious implications for the African side’s hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament.

With less than eight months remaining until the World Cup begins across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, qualification rounds are entering their final stages. Of the 48 teams that will compete in North America, 28 places remain up for grabs.

African Qualification: Tight Race for Limited Spots

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will send nine nations to the tournament, with a possible tenth team earning a place through an inter-confederation playoff. To determine the qualifiers, African teams were divided into nine groups of six, with each group winner automatically qualifying. The four best runners-up will battle in playoffs to claim a potential tenth spot.

FIFA Steps In After No-Show in Malawi

Tensions escalated last week when Equatorial Guinea failed to travel for their scheduled qualifier against Malawi in Lilongwe. Hours before kickoff, the Football Association of Malawi confirmed the match had been called off due to “unforeseen travel complications” affecting the visiting side.

FIFA later announced that its disciplinary committee would investigate the incident to determine why Equatorial Guinea did not fulfill their fixture obligations.

A Troubled Qualification Campaign

This is not the first controversy in Equatorial Guinea’s qualification journey. Last November, FIFA awarded 3–0 forfeits against the team in their opening two matches after ruling that captain Emilio Nsue was ineligible to represent the country at the time.

Although Nsue has since been cleared to return, the forfeits have left Equatorial Guinea fighting to stay in contention for a playoff spot behind group leaders Tunisia.

Internal Fallout and Player Concerns

Following the cancelled match, reports emerged that players had voted not to travel to Malawi due to health and safety concerns, citing fatigue and the late-night flight schedule. In response, the national federation suspended head coach Juan Micha, accusing the players and staff of “disrespecting the people of Equatorial Guinea.”

What’s Next for Equatorial Guinea?

FIFA’s disciplinary process will determine whether the no-show constitutes a breach serious enough to warrant sanctions, which could include additional forfeits or disqualification from the qualification campaign. Any such penalty would effectively end the nation’s chances of appearing at the 2026 World Cup.