FIFA found DR Congo Goalkeeper ineligible before World Cup qualification vs Nigeria, NYT reports

FIFA officials reportedly determined that DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible before the team secured its 2026 World Cup place, but allowed the qualification campaign to continue. According to The New York Times, internal documents showed that Mpasi had not completed the required paperwork to switch his international allegiance from France.

FIFA considered several options, including awarding Nigeria its match against DR Congo, but ultimately dismissed Nigeria’s complaint on a technicality. DR Congo then defeated Jamaica to qualify for the World Cup. The revelation has renewed questions over FIFA’s governance and the handling of player eligibility cases.