FIFA Reportedly Discovers DR Congo Used Ineligible Player Against Nigeria in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

FIFA officials have reportedly discovered that the Democratic Republic of Congo used an ineligible player during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria in Morocco.

According to The New York Times, FIFA’s legal officials privately determined that DR Congo had fielded a player who was not properly cleared to represent the country.

The discovery reportedly came after the Nigeria Football Federation raised a complaint over the player’s eligibility following DR Congo’s victory over the Super Eagles.

FIFA subsequently reviewed DR Congo’s squad and found that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had not completed the required paperwork to switch his international allegiance from France to DR Congo.

Mpasi had previously represented France at youth level before choosing to play for DR Congo at senior international level.