Lionel Mpasi has declared that playing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 would be “the pinnacle” of his career, as DR Congo stand just one step away from ending a 52-year absence on football’s biggest stage.
The Leopards are set for a decisive FIFA Play-Off clash on March 31, where they will face either Jamaica or New Caledonia. It is a high-stakes encounter that could write a new chapter in the history of Congolese football.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Mexico, the experienced goalkeeper admitted excitement is building fast. Having already featured at youth level in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup with France, Mpasi returns to the same stage with a completely different mission qualification, not experience.
DR Congo’s journey has been defined by resilience. After narrowly missing automatic qualification behind Senegal, they bounced back with crucial victories over Cameroon and Nigeria, proving their determination to reach the global showpiece as reported by FIFA.
Mpasi also highlighted the team’s unity and tactical focus, insisting that while opponents Jamaica or New Caledonia pose different challenges, the priority remains on DR Congo’s own preparation and discipline.
For the 31-year-old, who plays club football with Le Havre AC, the moment carries deep personal meaning. A World Cup appearance would not only fulfill a lifelong ambition but also cement his legacy in a nation eager for football glory.
From the memories of packed stadiums in Mexico to the pressure of a nation’s expectations, Mpasi now stands on the brink of history, just 90 minutes away from turning a dream into reality.
