Fresh FIFA and Infantino Scandal: England and Portugal World Cup 2026 Opponent Fielded Ineligible Goalkeeper

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing fresh scrutiny over a World Cup disciplinary breach involving DR Congo's first-choice goalkeeper.

A joint investigation by The New York Times and Le Monde has revealed that DR Congo shot-stopper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible to play at the 2026 World Cup. The goalkeeper had reportedly failed to complete the necessary paperwork to switch his international allegiance from France, having previously featured for Les Bleus at youth level.

FIFA uncovered the issue after launching an inquiry following a complaint from Nigeria, yet still cleared him to feature in DR Congo's decisive World Cup play-off and at the tournament itself. The investigation reveals that no action was taken, allowing Mpasi to represent DR Congo at the finals in North America.

FIFA lawyers were aware of the issue as early as March, well ahead of the World Cup. They advised imposing various sanctions, including disqualifying DR Congo from their intercontinental play-off against Jamaica later that month, as well as handing Mpasi a suspension. Burkina Faso were also directly affected, having missed out on the play-offs as the next-best runners-up.

These latest revelations pile further pressure on Infantino following the Folarin Balogun case and questions surrounding private investment plans for FIFA competitions, including both the men's and women's World Cups.

Mpasi himself pulled off a string of remarkable saves against Portugal in the group stage and against England in the round of 32, before Harry Kane netted two late goals to secure a comeback victory for the Three Lions.

The goalkeeper has represented DR Congo since 2022, earning 32 caps for the Leopards.