DR Congo scored in the seventh minute from Brian Chipenga’s strike against England, but its goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau played an equally important role in keeping the African side ahead at half-time in Wednesday’s round of 16 match.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper twice saved Jude Bellingham’s close-range header. He also made a crucial save from the right to block Harry Kane’s volley from the right side of the box.
He was also involved in a controversial section of the game when he collided with Harry Kane in the penalty area after going off his line, but was reprieved when the referee did not award a penalty to England.
He made three saves in the first half and had a goals prevented rate of 1.23.
Mpasi-Nzau has been playing for French club Le Havre since 2025. However, he played most for a French second division team called Rodez. Interestingly, he also has a goal for this team.
Although he currently plays for DR Congo, Mpasi-Nzau also represented France at under-17 level between 2010 and 2012. He also played for the Paris-Saint-Germain B team before moving to Toulouse.
Published July 1, 2026