DR Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre tragically learned of his father’s death during his post-match press conference following Thursday’s (AEST) defeat to England at the World Cup.
Desabre spoke to the media after DR Congo’s painful 2-1 defeat to England, who survived to reach the last 16 thanks to a late brace from Harry Kane.
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The 49-year-old Frenchman led DR Congo to its first World Cup in 52 years.
🌹DRC coach Sebastian Desabre learns at a press conference that his father has died #OurBestWorld #OurBestWorldAS pic.twitter.com/0KX3HdjyTI
— Diario AS (@diarioas) July 2, 2026
However, Desabre was left stunned by the fallout from DR Congo’s departure when the Congolese press attache interrupted the press conference to publicly express his condolences to the delegation.
“We would like to inform you that the coach has lost his father. Our condolences,” they said.
Desabre looked at the press attaché in complete shock before saying “thank you” and leaving the press conference.
It was a tragic end to Desabre’s historic World Cup campaign for DR Congo.
Under Desabre’s leadership, DR Congo scored their first World Cup goals, their first win and a historic place in the knockout rounds in 2026.
About the match, he said: “We are disappointed because we believed in it. We played a good match. At the end of the match we are behind in two situations and one of the best players in the world scores two goals against us. It is a shame.”
“We have to congratulate the players for what they showed. They gained a lot of experience playing against such teams.”