DR Congo’s French head coach Sebastien Desabre (L) celebrates with midfielder #10 Theo Bongonda after winning the match and qualifying for the World Cup during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Ulises Ruiz / AFP)
DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre said his side will try to “keep the dream alive” for their fans backhome by progressing to the World Cup last 32.
Victory over already-eliminated Uzbekistan in Atlanta on Saturday will secure qualification for the knockout stages as at least one of the best third-placed sides.
Desabre’s side stunned Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal with a 1-1 draw in their first World Cup game for 52 years before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
Due to an Ebola outbreak, a strict travel ban to the United States has been put in place for those travelling from DR Congo, with the team even having to quarantine in Belgium prior to travelling to the tournament.
