Who is Lionel Mpasi? DR Congo Goalkeeper who almost shocked England
Lionel Mpasi entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament's lesser-known goalkeepers. After his heroic performance against England in the Round of 32, the DR Congo international has become one of the breakout stars of the competition.
Although Harry Kane's late brace eventually secured England a 2-1 comeback victory, Mpasi's extraordinary display kept the Three Lions on the brink of one of the biggest World Cup upsets in recent history.
His reflex saves, commanding presence and calm distribution earned admiration from supporters around the world, even in defeat.
Born in France, chose DR Congo
Mpasi was born in Meaux, a suburb east of Paris, on August 1, 1995. Eligible to represent both France and DR Congo, he initially featured for France's youth national teams before making the decision to represent the country of his parents.
That decision has since become one of the defining moments of his career. He made his senior debut for DR Congo in 2022 before becoming first-choice goalkeeper during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Patient journey through French football
Unlike many international stars who emerged from elite academies into immediate success, Mpasi's rise was gradual. He began his professional career with Toulouse before joining Rodez, where he established himself in Ligue 2 through consistent performances.
His impressive development earned him a move to Ligue 1 side Le Havre in 2025. Rather than arriving as an established international star, Mpasi built his reputation through perseverance, consistency and resilience in French football.
World Cup Breakthrough
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has transformed Mpasi's profile. He helped DR Congo qualify from the group stage for the first time in the country's history, producing several important saves throughout the tournament.
Against Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan, he consistently demonstrated excellent positioning and composure under pressure. However, it was his display against England that elevated him onto the global stage.
Outstanding performance against England
Facing one of the tournament favourites, Mpasi frustrated England for much of the evening. He denied Jude Bellingham with a superb diving stop, reacted brilliantly to Harry Kane from close range and repeatedly commanded his penalty area despite relentless English pressure.
His performance almost inspired one of the biggest World Cup shocks before Kane finally broke through with two late goals. Even after the defeat, football supporters and pundits widely praised Mpasi as one of the best goalkeepers of the knockout stage.
DR Congo's historic campaign
While the Leopards' tournament ended against England, their campaign will be remembered as a landmark moment in Congolese football. The nation reached the knockout stages for the first time and proved capable of competing with some of the world's strongest teams.
Mpasi became the symbol of that progress. His leadership, confidence and consistency between the posts gave DR Congo belief throughout the competition.
What comes next?
At 31 years old, Mpasi is now attracting greater international attention than ever before. Strong World Cup performances have historically opened doors for goalkeepers, and his displays could attract interest from bigger European clubs.
Whether he remains at Le Havre or secures another move, the tournament has firmly established him among Africa's leading goalkeepers.
Although England ultimately progressed, Lionel Mpasi left the World Cup with something equally valuable, a reputation as one of the tournament's biggest breakout stars and a player whose career has reached an entirely new level.
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