2.7.2026
Congo DR coach Sébastien Desabre’s father died shortly after watching the Three Lions of England come from behind to beat the Leopards 2-1 in Wednesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash.
While at the press conference for post match chat Congo DR officials announced that Desabre’s father passed away following the team’s loss to England in the World Cup on Wednesday.
Desabre did not mention his father’s death during the press conference and appeared surprised when the team’s media official wrapped up the press conference by mentioning his father’s death, according to video shared online.
“Are there any further questions?” the team’s media officer asked in French before shutting down the press conference. “Thank you, but we are announcing that the coach has lost his father. So, our sincere condolences.”
Desabre, a 49-year-old French manager who has coached Congo’s men’s national soccer team since 2022, appeared to stare at the official before adding a “merci” to the assembled reporters and walking off the media podium.
While speaking of his team’s performance Desabre said he was “proud” of his players.
“We are more proud than disappointed,” Desabre, a father of two, told reporters, according to Reuters. “We are disappointed to be leaving the World Cup of course but we scored five goals in the tournament and played much higher-ranked teams and managed good results.”
“We managed to corner England but they reacted and that is the capacity of these big teams. It took the best striker in the world to save them and that’s what happens against these big nations. We did what we could, we were close to winning but it can also been seen as a victory of sorts for us.”