DR Congo reportedly fielded an ineligible player in their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, raising fresh questions over how the country secured its place at the tournament.

According to an investigation by Le Monde, FIFA’s legal department discovered that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had never completed the required process to switch his international allegiance from France to DR Congo.

Mpasi, who was born in France and represented the country at the youth level, had been involved in DR Congo’s qualification campaign despite the change of association process initiated by the Congolese federation in 2021 never being completed.

The goalkeeper featured in several qualifying matches, including DR Congo’s African playoff final against Nigeria in November 2025, which the Leopards won on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

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Nigeria subsequently lodged a complaint with FIFA over the eligibility of DR Congo players. However, the complaint was ultimately declared inadmissible on procedural and timing grounds.

More significantly, FIFA lawyers reportedly revisited the case in March 2026 and concluded that Mpasi was ineligible.

Internal documents cited by Le Monde reportedly outlined possible sanctions, including forfeiting matches in which he played and potentially allowing Nigeria to replace DR Congo in the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica.

No such sporting sanction was imposed, allowing DR Congo to face Jamaica. The Leopards won 1-0 to secure their first World Cup appearance since 1974.

Mpasi subsequently played at the 2026 World Cup, including DR Congo’s Round of 32 clash against England, where he produced several important saves before Harry Kane’s late double secured a 2-1 victory for England.

FIFA has defended its handling of the case, saying its disciplinary bodies are independent and make decisions based on the applicable regulations and facts before them.

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