The Democratic Republic of Congo's football coach Sébastien Desabre was informed of his father's death during a press conference after his team's 2-1 World Cup loss to England on 1 July 2026. The team's press officer made the announcement in front of journalists and rolling cameras, leaving Desabre visibly shocked.
“We have to inform you that the coach has lost his father. Our sincere condolences,” the press officer said at the end of the press conference. Desabre, 49, responded with a quiet “Thank you.” It is unclear whether he had heard the news earlier.
Congo had just been eliminated from the World Cup in a dramatic match. The team took an early lead through Brian Cipenga in the seventh minute, but England's Harry Kane equalized with 15 minutes remaining and scored the winner five minutes before full time—his 13th World Cup goal.
Despite the loss, Congo's tournament was historic: the team earned its first World Cup point, first goal, first win, and reached the knockout stage for the first time in 52 years since its debut.
