FIFA knowingly allowed the Democratic Republic of Congo to compete at the 2026 World Cup despite internal findings that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible during qualifying, according to an investigation by the New York Times.

The controversy traces back to the continental play-off between DR Congo and Nigeria. After losing that tie, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed a formal appeal, arguing that the Congolese federation had failed to complete the mandatory FIFA paperwork required to process Mpasi's switch of international allegiance from France.

FIFA dismissed Nigeria's appeal on a technicality

Documents uncovered during the investigation confirmed that FIFA officials had themselves established Mpasi lacked the necessary administrative clearance when he featured in the qualifiers. Nevertheless, the governing body dismissed the NFF's appeal on a technicality and declined to impose sanctions or reverse any match results.

That decision allowed DR Congo — whose attack was led by Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa — to advance to the intercontinental play-off, where they defeated Jamaica to clinch their first World Cup berth in 52 years.

The Leopards at the tournament

At the finals in North America, Mpasi started every match in goal while Wissa anchored the attack. DR Congo navigated Group K — which also contained Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan — before falling to England in the Round of 32.

The case has drawn sharp comparisons with FIFA's treatment of Bolivia, who were docked points during 2018 World Cup qualification for fielding an ineligible player. That precedent makes the governing body's leniency toward DR Congo all the more difficult to defend.

FIFA denies executive interference