Atlanta, July 2: In a heartbreaking turn of events, DR Congo’s head coach, Sébastien Desabre, received devastating news just hours after his team’s loss to England in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. During the post-match press conference, he learned of his father’s passing, leading to an emotional atmosphere that prompted an immediate end to the conference.
In the knockout match, DR Congo put up a strong fight against England, showcasing impressive skills early on. In the seventh minute, Bryan Sipeanga scored his first international goal, giving the team a 1-0 lead. However, England’s captain, Harry Kane, equalized before scoring the decisive goal, securing a 2-1 victory for his team. With this defeat, DR Congo’s remarkable journey concluded in the Round of 32.
While addressing the media after the match, an official informed Desabre of his father’s death in French. The mood shifted dramatically, and the official expressed condolences, announcing the conclusion of the press conference. Initially, Desabre seemed in disbelief. After a few moments, he quietly thanked everyone and left the room.
DR Congo made history in this tournament by reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. They had previously impressed in the group stage, defeating Uzbekistan to secure their place in the knockout rounds. This was the first time DR Congo qualified for the World Cup since 1974, and their performance in 2026 left a lasting impression.
Following the loss, Coach Desabre remarked that while the team performed well, a lack of experience was evident. He noted that the players worked hard but missed crucial opportunities in the final moments. “We are disappointed because we believed we could advance. We played well, but one of the world’s best players capitalized on our mistakes. We are proud of our players,” he stated. Desabre further emphasized that football in DR Congo is continuously improving and that this experience will help the team grow stronger for future competitions.
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