An incredible FIFA oversight: why DRC should not have qualified for the 2026 World Cup

FIFA allegedly overlooked ineligibility of DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi during 2026 World Cup qualifying, potentially invalidating the nation's historic qualification.

Investigations by Le Monde and the New York Times reveal that the Democratic Republic of Congo should not have qualified for the 2026 World Cup due to the ineligibility of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who participated in qualifying matches. FIFA reportedly became aware of the issue but chose not to act. Nigeria's football federation filed a complaint on 28 November 2025, days after losing to DRC in the African playoff final, citing passport fraud and nationality concerns among Congolese players and requesting a forfeit victory. FIFA dismissed the complaint on 10 March 2026 as formally inadmissible, claiming it had only received the request on 9 March.