World Cup bombshell! England faced an ineligible goalkeeper after FIFA discovered paperwork issue

A major eligibility controversy has emerged months after England's dramatic World Cup meeting with DR Congo.

Details: According to an investigation by Le Monde based on internal FIFA documents, DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was not eligible to represent the national team because his change of association from France had never been formally completed. Mpasi had previously represented France at youth level, including at the 2011 U17 World Cup, before DR Congo began the switch process in 2021.

• Also read: Can Canada's recent dominance survive the new US cycle? USA vs Canada prediction — 07.10.2026

The case surfaced after the Nigeria Football Federation challenged the eligibility of several DR Congo players following their World Cup qualifying play-off defeat in November 2025. FIFA initially ruled Nigeria's complaint inadmissible on procedural and timing grounds, but a deeper internal review on March 9 and 10 reportedly identified the unresolved issue surrounding Mpasi.

Those checks were carried out only weeks before DR Congo's inter-confederation play-off against Jamaica. Le Monde reports that FIFA lawyers recommended disciplinary proceedings and outlined possible sporting sanctions, but none was imposed. DR Congo went on to beat Jamaica 1-0 and qualify for the World Cup. FIFA told Le Monde that Nigeria's complaint had been examined and declared inadmissible, with the decision becoming final in the absence of a proper appeal.

Mpasi later started against England in the World Cup Round of 32 and produced several important saves as DR Congo threatened a huge upset. Brian Cipenga gave the Leopards an early lead, while Mpasi repeatedly denied England before Harry Kane finally broke through. The captain equalised in the 75th minute and struck again in the 86th to secure a 2-1 comeback victory.

It is worth noting that Le Monde states Mpasi's first senior appearance for DR Congo dates back to February 1, 2022, even though the required FIFA authorisation for his international switch had not been completed.

Reminder: DR Congo and Uganda share the spoils in second friendly