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9 clusters · 87 sources · 31 days · First seen · Last updated

DR Congo football nationality switches and AFCON prep

Overview

The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to integrate young talent through nationality switches. Coach Sébastien Desabre has clarified the status of defender Jorthy Mokio, who faces a mandatory three-year waiting period until 2028 due to FIFA regulations following his appearance for Belgium. In October 2026, the senior national team participated in a friendly double-header in Johannesburg. After a 0-2 defeat to Uganda, the Leopards secured a 1-1 draw in their second match at the FNB Stadium, with Nathanaël Mbuku scoring for the DRC before James Bogere equalized for Uganda in the 91st minute.

Beyond the senior team, the DRC U23 squad is preparing for a 2027 AFCON qualification match against Mauritania. Following a first-leg loss in Nouakchott, midfielder Noah Makanza expressed confidence in a comeback in Lubumbashi. Historical data also shows a competitive rivalry between the DRC and Equatorial Guinea ahead of their upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures.

Simultaneously, the national team faces scrutiny regarding player eligibility. Investigations by The New York Times and Le Monde have revealed a scandal involving FIFA and the DR Congo regarding the eligibility of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi during the 2026 World Cup. Mpasi, born in France and a former French youth international, reportedly played for the DRC without completing the necessary administrative procedures to change his sporting nationality. Internal documents suggest FIFA was aware of the breach. While legal officials privately determined the eligibility issue, FIFA dismissed a formal complaint from the Nigeria Football Federation on procedural grounds, citing a late submission. This allowed the DRC to proceed to the intercontinental playoff, where they defeated Jamaica to secure their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. In response, Nigeria’s National Sports Commission is exploring options to seek compensation from FIFA for economic losses, including lost revenue and sponsorship fees.

Entities

Sébastien Desabre · DR Congo national football team · FIFA · Democratic Republic of the Congo · DR Congo

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    FIFA eligibility dispute involves DR Congo and Nigeria

    Reports reveal FIFA found DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi ineligible during World Cup qualifying, leading Nigeria to consider compensation claims for lost revenue and tournament opportunities.

  2. [SPORTS] 49 sources
    DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi eligibility scandal sparks FIFA scrutiny

    FIFA faces scrutiny after reports revealed it knew DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi was ineligible during 2026 World Cup qualifying, yet allowed the team to qualify after dismissing Nigeria's complaint.

  3. [SPORTS] 4 sources
    DRC football teams face friendly draw and upcoming qualifiers

    The DRC national football team drew 1-1 against Uganda in a friendly, while the U23 squad prepares for a crucial AFCON 2027 qualifier against Mauritania.

  4. [SPORTS] 23 sources
    African football teams begin AFCON 2027 qualification matches

    African football nations begin AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with DR Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo securing early momentum through key victories and strategic preparations.

  5. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Jorthy Mokio faces three-year wait for DR Congo eligibility

    Defender Jorthy Mokio must wait until 2028 to play official matches for DR Congo due to FIFA regulations following his previous appearances for Belgium.

  6. [SPORTS] 6 sources
    DR Congo prepares for AFCON qualifier against Equatorial Guinea

    DR Congo prepares to face Equatorial Guinea in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers at Stade des Martyrs. Coach Sébastien Desabre expects a full crowd despite stadium accreditation rumors.

  7. [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Sébastien Desabre announces DR Congo squads for CAN qualifiers and friendlies

    DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre has released two squads for the upcoming CAN 2027 qualifiers and friendlies against Uganda, notably excluding Cédric Bakambu due to potential U.S. quarantine restrictions.

  8. [SPORTS] 4 sources
    DR Congo attracts Belgian-born football talent

    Belgian-born players Jorthy Mokio and Stanis Idumbo have chosen to represent DR Congo, with Mokio facing a potential eligibility delay until 2028 due to FIFA regulations.

  9. [SPORTS] 5 sources
    DR Congo attracts young football talents Banzuzi and Mbamba

    Footballers Ezechiel Banzuzi and Noah Mbamba have begun processes to switch their sporting nationality to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, moving away from the Netherlands and Belgium.

Sources

237actu.com · 24-ore.com · 889noticias.mx · acnntv.com · actualite.cd · actualno.com · actulome.com · adomonline.com · africafootunited.com · afrik-foot.com · afrikactus.com · ajaxshowtime.com · alrasheedmedia.com · athletiko.gr · avenirguinee.org · blueprint.ng · businessday.ng · camer.be · camfoot.com · completesportsnigeria.com · congointer.info · danas.rs · elespectador.com · esporte.ig.com.br · esportenaredemt.com.br · esportes.estadao.com.br · fameennews.info · fanatik.ro · foot.cd · foot.tg · football.fr · footrdc.com · glamtush.com · goalballlive.com · gol.mk · gsp.ro · hallmarknews.com · italpress.com · journaldesnations.net · kamerfoot.com · kemifilani.ng · lattaquant.com · lebledparle.com · leopardleader.com · maisfutebol.iol.pt · maltasport.mt · marca.com · n-tv.de

This summary has been updated 20 times: see revision history