Washington, DC – According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, the national team spokesperson announced the news during a press conference, offering condolences to the French coach. The French coach appeared deeply affected before quickly leaving the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, simply thanking the media for their attendance. Before departing, Desabre was keen to defend his players despite their elimination from the tournament. He emphasized that the team had performed admirably, reflecting the progress of Congolese football, and stated that representing the national team always requires making a significant impact.
The 49-year-old coach acknowledged his players’ disappointment after the elimination, but stressed that the team had performed well throughout the tournament. He pointed out that they scored five goals and conceded five. They also managed to compete effectively against higher-ranked teams such as Colombia, Portugal, Uzbekistan, and England.
A poignant moment at the 2026 World Cup: The father of the DR Congo coach dies after the loss to England. The press conference for the DR Congo national team, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, turned into a heartbreaking and unexpected scene. French coach Sébastien Desabre received the news of his father’s death just minutes after his team’s 2-1 defeat to England in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Shocking announcement and a quick departure
According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, a hush fell over the press conference room when the national team’s spokesperson announced the devastating news to the media. Desabre, 49, appeared deeply affected by the shocking news and was unable to continue speaking. He simply thanked the media for their presence and understanding before quickly leaving the room in a state of profound sadness.
Praise for the team’s performance despite the elimination
Before his abrupt departure, Desabre made sure to send a message of support and appreciation to his players, defending their heroic performance despite their elimination from the tournament. The French coach emphasized that the team had delivered a commendable performance, reflecting the remarkable progress of Congolese football. He stressed that representing the national team always demands leaving a strong mark and making sacrifices. In his opinion, his players succeeded in doing so throughout their World Cup campaign.
Honorable competitive result
In his brief remarks before departing, Desabre acknowledged the players’ deep disappointment after the elimination, but emphasized that the team had delivered a strong and impressive performance throughout the tournament. He also pointed out that the Congolese national team had managed to put on a remarkable competitive display against higher-ranked international teams such as Colombia, Portugal, Uzbekistan, and, most recently, England.
He pointed out that the statistics reflect the team’s competitiveness, as they managed to score five goals throughout the tournament and conceded the same number. This proves that the team has a promising future in international competitions. This humane gesture cast a shadow over the World Cup atmosphere. Fans and the wider sporting community also expressed their deep sympathy for the coach during these difficult times.
