Football governing body FIFA has reportedly found Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi ineligible to play during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

According to investigations by Le Monde and The New York Times, FIFA’s legal team found that Mpasi, who holds French and Congolese nationality, had not completed the required process to switch his international allegiance after representing France at youth level.

Mpasi was born in Meaux to parents of Congolese descent and represented France at youth level, including at the 2011 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The issue emerged after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) submitted a formal objection following the Super Eagles’ penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in November 2025 during the African playoff final for the World Cup.

The NFF was contesting the eligibility of some players who had switched allegiance to DR Congo during the qualifiers.

According to Le Monde, FIFA’s legal team later determined in March 2026 that Mpasi’s change of international affiliation had not been completed, despite the goalkeeper having featured for DR Congo during the qualifying campaign, including against Nigeria.

DR Congo later defeated Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental playoff to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mpasi also featured in that match.

WDN