The qualification of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) for the 2026 World Cup has sparked significant debate following an investigation by Le Monde. The report suggests that FIFA may have favored DR Congo by ignoring its own disciplinary code concerning player eligibility. This situation has raised serious questions about the integrity of the qualification process for the tournament.

DR Congo, appearing in the World Cup for the first time since 1974, made headlines by holding Portugal to a draw and advancing from the group stage, ultimately losing to England in the round of 16. However, the investigation reveals that the Congolese team may have fielded an ineligible player, goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, during crucial matches.

According to the findings, the Nigerian Football Federation lodged a complaint with FIFA regarding potential eligibility issues surrounding several Congolese players, including Mpasi, who holds dual French-Congolese nationality. While FIFA dismissed the complaint due to timing issues, internal documents indicate that FIFA's legal team had identified Mpasi's ineligibility prior to the intercontinental playoff against Jamaica.

Despite these findings, FIFA allowed DR Congo to proceed in the tournament, raising concerns about the fairness of the qualification process. The investigation highlights a troubling precedent where FIFA has been accused of bending its rules to favor certain teams, undermining the integrity of international football.

Mpasi, who earned his first cap in February 2022, has become a key player for DR Congo. The revelation of his ineligibility could have significant implications for the team’s historic qualification. The situation is further complicated by allegations that FIFA President Gianni Infantino may have intervened to protect a close associate, Véron Mosengo-Omba, who has been linked to the leadership of DR Congo's football federation.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how FIFA will address these allegations and what impact they will have on the future of DR Congo's participation in the World Cup. The integrity of the sport is at stake, and fans and officials alike are calling for transparency and accountability from FIFA.