Recent investigations by major publications have revealed that Lionel Mpasi, the Congolese goalkeeper, was ineligible to participate in the 2026 World Cup. This revelation has sparked significant controversy regarding FIFA's governance and integrity in overseeing international football.

Three months after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, where the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was eliminated in the Round of 16, it has come to light that the DRC's qualification may have been compromised. According to joint investigations by Le Monde and the New York Times, the DRC's national team, known as the "Léopards," should not have been able to compete due to Mpasi's ineligibility.

The situation began when Nigeria, having just been eliminated by the DRC in a continental playoff for the World Cup, lodged a complaint on November 28. They suspected administrative fraud concerning the Congolese team. Initially, FIFA did not take any action, citing procedural issues. However, legal advisors later discovered that Mpasi had not completed the necessary process to change his sporting nationality after representing France in youth competitions.

Mpasi, who was born in France and played for France's youth teams, had participated in at least five matches for France, including the 2011 U-17 World Cup. Despite his international career with Congo starting in 2022, he had played in the 2024 and 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments without issue. According to FIFA regulations, this should have resulted in an automatic forfeiture of matches, which would have qualified Nigeria instead.

Reports indicate that FIFA officials, including President Gianni Infantino, were aware of Mpasi's ineligibility but chose not to act. This inaction raises serious questions about the integrity of FIFA's decision-making processes, especially as the organization has faced scrutiny in recent months.

Currently, Mpasi is sidelined with a complete Achilles tendon rupture, which will keep him out of competition for several months. This absence comes at a critical time, as the DRC begins its qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON.

As these revelations unfold, they may have lasting implications for FIFA and its governance, potentially undermining trust in the organization at a time when it is already facing significant challenges.