Just hours following Congo DR’s loss to England in the FIFA World Cup 2026, head coach Sebastien Desabre received devastating news of his father’s passing during a press conference. Despite Congo’s historic performance in the tournament, including their first-ever World Cup knockout game, Desabre’s personal loss overshadowed the team’s achievements.
During the press conference, as Desabre was discussing the match, a media officer conveyed the news of his father’s demise in French, leading to the immediate conclusion of the briefing. Desabre, visibly shocked, expressed his gratitude before abruptly leaving the press conference.
Congo DR, making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, had a remarkable journey in the tournament, securing their first victory in 52 years and advancing to the knockout stages. Desabre, reflecting on the team’s performance, acknowledged the disappointment of the defeat but praised the players for their efforts and emphasized the learning experience gained from the competition.
