Congo's Historic Run Ends, Coach Receives Sad Family News

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s journey at the 2026 World Cup ended in the round of 32, where they fell 2-1 to England. The match featured a brilliant early goal from Sipenga, but England’s captain turned the game around with two decisive strikes.

In the immediate aftermath, coach Sébastien Desabre was privately told that his father had passed away. The revelation halted the press session, and the coach quietly expressed his gratitude before departing. The dual blow of elimination and bereavement marked a poignant chapter in Congo’s football history, which saw the nation qualify for the tournament for the first time since 1974.