FIFA Reportedly Flagged Mpasi Eligibility, Let Congo Continue

FIFA legal officials reportedly concluded that Democratic Republic of Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had not completed the required process to switch his international eligibility from France, but the governing body allowed Congo to continue in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The reports, based on internal FIFA documents and correspondence, describe possible sanctions but do not establish that FIFA issued a final public ruling or changed any match result. Mpasi had represented France at youth level. The reported legal assessment was that he lacked formal approval to represent Congo after switching allegiance. He played in five qualifiers, including Congo’s playoff victory over Nigeria in November 2025 and its win over Jamaica in March 2026, which secured the country’s first World Cup place in 52 years. Nigeria’s football federation filed a complaint after Congo defeated the Super Eagles on penalties in the African playoff final. The complaint challenged the eligibility of several Congolese players.