Saharan african

Congo DR Sebastien Desabre: Just hours after the painful FIFA World Cup 2026 defeat to England, head coach of Congo DR Sebastien Desabre has suffered an even greater personal loss as he learnt about the death of his father during the press conference.

Congo had never played a World Cup knockout game before yet they made a dream start after seven minutes with Cipenga’s first-ever international goal. But, Harry Kane equalised, with the England skipper then blasting a brilliant winner in a dramatic turnaround to set a Round of 16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico.

After the heartbreaking loss, when Desabre was addressing the media, the family bereavement was confirmed when a media officer said in French: “Thank you but we are announcing that the coach has lost his father. Sincere condolences.” The press conference was then terminated.