Congo’s head coach’s father passes away. (Photo- GETTY)
Sebastien Desabre, FIFA World Cup 2026: After the close 1-2 defeat to England in the knockout match of FIFA World Cup 2026, a mountain of sorrow has fallen on Democratic Republic of Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre. After the end of the match, when the French coach was answering the questions of journalists in the press conference, he got the sad news of his father’s demise on live TV. After this heartbreaking moment, the entire press conference was immediately stopped midway. The video of this incident is going viral on social media.
Media officer gave information on live TV
In this official press conference held after the match, Sebastian Desabre was talking seriously and calmly about his team’s historic World Cup journey and performance against England. Then the media officer of the team intervened and made a serious announcement. The media officer said in French on the microphone, ‘Thank you all, but we are here to announce that our head coach has lost his father. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to him.
49 year old DeSabre was completely stunned after hearing this news. Controlling his tears and emotions in front of the camera, he just said thank you in a very slow and trembling voice and immediately got up from his seat and went out. After this the press conference was ended there itself. According to reports, soon after this he left for the airport to return home.
🌍⚽️Just like coach Sébastien Desabre learned of his father’s disappearance! #Mondial2026 #Desabre #RDC 🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/P3ktvOajNo
— Jenovic Mbowa (@jenovicmbowa1) July 1, 2026
Historic performance of Congolese team
Just a few minutes before this personal tragedy, the historic journey of the DR Congo team on the field ended. The Congolese team, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, reached the top-32. Sebastien Desabre’s strategies played a big role in this wonderful journey of Congo. Due to which the Congo national team scored its first goal, its first win in the history of the tournament and achieved a historic place in the knockout stage in 2026.
