Sebastien Desabre, head coach of the DR Congo national team, spoke confidently before the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff. He emphasized the team’s hard work over the past three years.
The Leopards secured their spot after defeating Nigeria in the African playoff final. They won 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Rabat, Morocco, in November 2025.
Desabre praised his players’ resilience. He stated, “It’s about everything we’ve been through together – the highs and the lows. Those experiences have made us stronger and more resilient, and they’ve led us to this point. After all the hard work the players and the staff have put in over the last three years, they’ve thoroughly earned it.”
Additionally, he noted the team’s defensive strength. DR Congo conceded just one goal in their last four qualifying matches.
Desabre highlighted the squad’s unity. He said, “The players share a strong bond both on and off the pitch. Everyone is pulling in the same direction to achieve a common goal.”
DR Congo faced the winner of Jamaica versus New Caledonia in the playoff final. The match occurred on March 31, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Desabre expressed readiness. He declared, “We’re not afraid of anyone. We’re going to give it our all. As a minimum, we need to replicate the kind of performance we delivered against Nigeria.”
Furthermore, he stressed focus. Desabre added, “We all want to go to the World Cup, but we can’t let our emotions or the magnitude of the occasion get the better of us.”
Desabre acknowledged the nation’s passion. He remarked, “The Congolese are passionate about football and some of them are going through difficult times. I know that the whole nation will come to a standstill on 31 March so people can watch the match.”
Qualification marked DR Congo’s potential return to the World Cup after 52 years. Their last appearance came in 1974.
Desabre reflected on his tenure. He said, “When I took the reins three and a half years ago, the team had hit a rough patch, but I believed in them straight away, even when few others did.”
