Lionel Mpasi went viral during DR Congo’s 2-1 defeat to England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 in Atlanta after denying Jude Bellingham a clear chance.
The DR Congo goalkeeper produced the last-ditch save during the knockout match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Fans praised Mpasi’s performance on X, with one user calling him a “wall against England.” Another fan wrote that Mpasi was playing the game of his life.
The Times reported that Mpasi made several crucial saves against Bellingham and Harry Kane before England completed a second-half comeback.
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Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead in the seventh minute. England levelled through Kane in the 75th minute before the striker scored again in the 86th minute to send England through. Mpasi had already stood out for DR Congo earlier in the tournament.
He made five saves in the first 20 minutes against Colombia during the group stage. DR Congo exited the tournament after reaching the World Cup knockout stage.
England advanced to face Mexico in the last 16.
