Four best saves, highlights by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi in near-World Cup upset of England originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo gave England a legitimate scare on Wednesday, pushing England to the brink of elimination.
While Harry Kane saved the day for England, eliminating the Congo in the process, Congo goalie Lionel Mpasi ended up being the breakout star. Mpasi’s performance in net was spectacular, keeping England off the board time after time while the Three Lions desperately searched for a goal.
This loss will end up as a great moment in Congo soccer history, being the best result in the World Cup for the country. In the process, Mpasi did his best to try and become a household name and hero in the DR Congo.
Here’s a look at Mpasi’s best saves from his match against England.
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Lionel Mpasi best saves, highlights
4. Mpasi keeps Congo lead entering halftime
Harry Kane was primed to level the match before halftime, but Mpasi had other ideas as he stood firm and saved a Kane shot with his lower body. The save meant that Congo took a 1-0 lead into the break as they dreamed of an upset possibility.
LIONEL MPASI IS A FORCE IN GOAL 🤯
ANOTHER SAVE FROM THE DR CONGO GOALKEEPER TO DENY ENGLAND pic.twitter.com/mN9egaPu5x
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026
HARRY KANE CAN’T BELIEVE IT 😱
What a first half for Lionel Mpasi and DR Congo! pic.twitter.com/c3SBJlfleQ
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026
3. Mpasi blocks a Jude Bellingham header
Bellingham and Mpasi battled all match long, as the midfielder had a chance to score in stoppage time during the first half. However, Mpasi sent that shot wide to keep England off the board despite a strong offensive push.
DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi makes ANOTHER save on Jude Bellingham 🧤 pic.twitter.com/76wpskipMd
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026
2. Mpasi makes first save on Bellingham
Mpasi’s first save on Bellingham mid-way through the first half showed that the Congo goalie was up for the task today. This save was also on a header, as Mpasi got his hand on the ball to protect what was at that point a very early lead.
Lionel Mpasi with a HUGE SAVE to deny Jude Bellingham and England 🧤 pic.twitter.com/zrL8ehb2xw
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026
MORE: Full results, highlights from England vs. DR Congo
1. Mpasi denies Bellingham for a third time
After the halftime break, England knew it had to increase its push on the Congo defense, but Mpasi remained strong in net. He saved Bellingham for a third time, this one on a glove save to prevent with Bellingham providing a dangerous attack.
Mpasi denies a Jude Bellingham shot AGAIN and Mbemba clears the danger!
DR CONGO has been everywhere today 🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/nkO3zvWzhF
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 1, 2026
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