Republic of the Congo have officially withdrawn from the 2026 qualifiers for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations after failing to assemble the required 23 eligible players for the competition.
The decision follows prolonged challenges within the country’s football structure, largely stemming from the suspension of the domestic league for the past two years. The shutdown, caused by ongoing tensions between the government and the national football authorities, has significantly disrupted competitive football and youth development pathways.
With no regular league action and limited organized competitions, many young players have struggled to gain match experience and visibility. As a result, technical team were unable to put together a full squad that met eligibility and registration requirements set by the Confederation of African Football.
The withdrawal represents a major setback for Congolese football, particularly at the grassroots level, where structured development is vital for long-term growth. Missing out on the qualifiers denies a new generation of players the opportunity to compete on the continental stage and gain valuable exposure.
Football stakeholders in the country now face increasing pressure to resolve administrative disputes and restore domestic competitions, as hopes remain that stability will return and revive youth football development in the years ahead.