FIFA has determined that Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible to represent the country throughout the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Investigations by Le Monde and The New York Times reportedly found that Fifa’s legal team established that Mpasi, who holds French and Congolese citizenship, had not completed the required process to change his international allegiance after playing for France at youth level.
Born in Meaux to Congolese parents, Mpasi became provisionally cap-tied to France after featuring in a U17 Euro qualifier against Serbia in June 2011.
The development followed a formal complaint by the Nigeria Football Federation after the Super Eagles lost to the Leopards on penalties in the African playoff final in November 2025.
The NFF had challenged the eligibility of several DR Congo players over alleged nationality and passport irregularities.
Despite the finding, Fifa took no disciplinary action against DR Congo, allowing the Leopards to proceed to the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica.
DR Congo defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time, with Mpasi in goal, to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.
