Lionel Mpasi-Nzau
LEH
Sidelined for time being
Mpasi will be sidelined for the time being after suffering an injury during the defeat to Brest, according to the club.
Analysis: Mpasi was injured after landing awkwardly following a stoppage-time save against Brest, with initial concerns suggesting he could be facing a significant absence. The club has now confirmed that the goalkeeper will spend time on the sidelines but has yet to provide a diagnosis or recovery timeline. Gauthier Gallon replaced Mpasi following the injury and is expected to take over the starting role while he remains unavailable.
Fears of long term Achilles injury
Mpasi is feared to be facing a long absence after suffering what appears to be a torn Achilles tendon, with coach Didier Digard saying "Unfortunately, it doesn't smell good, he risks being out for a long time," according to Clement Le Hay of Ouest France.
Analysis: Mpasi was hurt landing awkwardly after making a decisive save in stoppage time of the loss to Brest, and if the Achilles tear is confirmed, Le Havre could be forced to use its medical joker to sign a new goalkeeper outside the normal transfer window. Gauthier Gallon, who took his place after the injury, figures to step into the starting role in the meantime, having previously spent time at Rennes and Troyes earlier in his career.
Stretchered off Saturday
Mpasi was taken off on a stretcher after getting hurt in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Brest.
Analysis: Mpasi took a late blow at the end of an impressive eight-save performance in the week three clash. The goalkeeper's availability for the next game against Angers is now in doubt, potentially leaving the team without its first option in goal. Gauthier Gallon took his place Saturday and could move into the starting lineup if the Congo international fails to recover in the coming days.
Five saves in 1-1 draw
Lionel Mpasi recorded five saves and allowed one goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Lyon.
Analysis: Mpasi made five saves, but was unable to keep a clean sheet as they drew 1-1 with Lyon. This was the second game this season where he has conceded a goal and has made 11 saves across these two games with five saves coming in this game. In his three starts last season, he kept one clean sheet.
Concedes one
Mpasi made six saves and allowed one goal in Sunday's 1-0 defeat against Monaco.
Analysis: Mpasi recorded six saves, but was not able to prevent the goal from the corner in the 14th minute. He also recorded 19 passes. He started ahead of Mory Diaw, their usual starter and it will be interesting to see if Mpasi will start against Lyon next week.
Ready for new season
Mpasi is back in training for the new season with Le Havre after the World Cup, according to the club.
Analysis: Mpasi made just four Ligue 1 appearances last season, keeping one clean sheet across 315 minutes, remaining the backup to Mory Diaw in the pecking order. He had a strong World Cup run with DR Congo despite the elimination against England, and his return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he continues in his depth role behind Diaw heading into the new season.
Heroic in defeat
Lionel Mpasi had five saves and allowed two goals in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat against England.
Analysis: Mpasi-Nzau made some incredible saves to keep the match close and even hold the lead into halftime, but he couldn't do enough. In the end he was beat twice in the second half by a brilliant pair of Harry Kane goals. Mpasi-Nzau can hold his head high despite the defeat, as his five saves kept the match close throughout as DRC held a lead going into the second half.
One save in 3-1 win
Lionel Mpasi recorded one save and allowed one goal in Saturday's 3-1 win against Uzbekistan.
Analysis: Mpasi made one save as DR Congo won 3-1 against Uzbekistan. This win was historic for his side as they have set themselves up for the knockout stages as a third-placed team. The goal that he had conceded came from a brilliant finish from the Uzbekistan captain and made it three games in a row where he has conceded one goal in each game. Uzbekistan had also the ball in the back of the net at another stage but the goalscorer was offside.
Eight saves in loss
Mpasi recorded eight saves and allowed one goal in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
Analysis: Mpasi delivered the performance of the match in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Colombia, making eight saves across 90 minutes against a Colombian attack that generated the majority of the match's chances, with his best stop a brilliant fingertip save to deny Luis Diaz from close range in the second half when the Colombian winger appeared certain to score. The goalkeeper was ultimately beaten only by Daniel Munoz's near-post drive in the 76th minute from a tight angle after Juan Quintero's precise pass, with Mpasi's outstanding display keeping DR Congo competitive in a match his side might otherwise have lost by a far heavier margin. His shot-stopping ability, composure under sustained pressure and command of his area make him DR Congo's most important individual player at this tournament, and his performances across two group games have established him as one of the outstanding goalkeepers of the 2026 World Cup group stage.
No saves in draw
Lionel Mpasi recorded no saves and allowed one goal in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Portugal.
Analysis: Mpasi came into Wednesday's match likely expecting a tough day at the office, instead he faced only a single shot and was left with a draw. He would have hoped to save the one goal he conceded but he wasn't called into action for the rest of the match. Mpasi has a stout defensive unit in front of him that should limit the quality and quantity of chances he faces.
First-choice keeper for Congo
Mpasi has been named in Congo's World Cup squad as the first-choice goalkeeper under coach Sebastien Desabre, arriving at the tournament after a season spent as backup at Le Havre in Ligue 1.
Analysis: Mpasi made four appearances this season, recording 15 saves and one clean sheet in limited opportunities with Le Havre. His role as backup at club level means he arrives at the World Cup with relatively little competitive action under his belt this campaign, making the tournament a significant step up in terms of the pressure and intensity he will face. For Congo, his composure, shot-stopping ability and ability to organize the defensive unit in front of him will be crucial in a group that includes Portugal, who boast one of the most attacking squads in the competition. His performances between the posts could prove the difference between an early exit and a historic run for the Leopards in their World Cup appearance.
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