RD Congo shouldn’t have played the 2026 World Cup, investigations claim

The 2026 World Cup continues to attract scrutiny as investigations by Le Monde and The New York Times suggest DR Congo should not have participated due to the ineligibility of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. According to the reports, Mpasi had not completed the required nationality‑switch procedures after representing France at youth level, a detail Nigeria highlighted in an appeal filed after losing their playoff. The complaint was dismissed for timing reasons, but documents indicate FIFA, under Gianni Infantino, was aware of the issue and chose not to intervene.

DR Congo had reached the tournament through a dramatic shootout win over Nigeria and a narrow victory against Jamaica, later advancing from a group featuring Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. Their run ended in the round of sixteen after England overturned a late deficit. The revelations add to a series of contentious decisions surrounding the tournament, prompting renewed calls for clarity and accountability.