Who is Congo's goalie? Meet Lionel Mpasi, who is making England's life miserable

Who is Congo's goalie? Meet Lionel Mpasi, who is making England's life miserable originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>The Democratic Republic of the Congo was heavy underdogs against England in the first World Cup knockout game in the nation's history.

>To stick around, Lionel Mpasi would have to be a giant in goal.

>That included multiple unreal saves, including a stop with his midsection of Harry Kane just before halftime, as DR Congo clung to a 1-0 lead.

>The man in goal for the Congo is Lionel Mpasi.

>He's 31 years old, originally from Meaux, France.

>He was born to Congolese parents, and so he represents the country of his heritage at the international level.

>His appearance in Wednesday's World Cup match is his 33rd cap for his country.

>In his club career, Mpasi suits up for Le Havre in France's Ligue 1.

>He actually spent time in PSG's youth system, too.

>His longest tenure was with Rodez in Ligue 2 before joining Le Havre for the 2025-26 season.