The Democratic Republic of the Congo national team faced questions regarding player eligibility during their qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stemming from a challenge launched by the Nigerian Football Federation.
Nigeria Challenges DR Congo over Player Eligibility
The scrutiny began following the African playoff final, where the DR Congo team defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Following the defeat, the Nigerian Football Federation lodged a formal challenge with FIFA, alleging that multiple players on the Congolese roster were ineligible due to nationality fraud rules. The challenge specifically targeted 32-year-old Le Havre goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
FIFA Review and Registration Irregularities
While Mpasi holds dual French and Congolese nationality, legal reviewers at FIFA found that he had not completed the formal administrative process required for a change of association with the governing body. Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code stipulates that fielding an ineligible player results in a forfeited match for the offending team.
DR Congo Advances Despite Renewed Nigerian Petitions
The Nigerian Football Federation initially filed a complaint that was set aside by FIFA. In March 2026, the federation renewed its petition with the governing body. Legal experts within FIFA subsequently identified the irregularities concerning Mpasi’s registration status during this second review. Despite the findings regarding the player’s registration, the DR Congo team advanced to contest an intercontinental playoff against Jamaica, secured qualification, and competed in the tournament group stage. FIFA rejected the initial Nigerian appeals on procedural grounds, citing timing constraints for the challenges.
England Eliminates DR Congo in Knockout Round
During the tournament proper in North America, DR Congo competed in Group K alongside Portugal and Colombia. The team secured enough points to advance past the group stage as one of the third-place finishers, setting up a sixteenth-final fixture against England. England eliminated the Congolese side in the knockout round, bringing an end to a campaign that had seen the team win both the African playoffs and the intercontinental qualification path.
.png)
