Democratic Republic of Congo coach Sebastien Desabre said his side’s performance against England national football team showed the growing strength of Congolese football, despite their World Cup exit following a late comeback by the Three Lions.
DR Congo led England until the 75th minute in their 2026 World Cup round-of-32 match in Atlanta, but two goals from Harry Kane turned the contest in England’s favour.
The result ended DR Congo’s campaign at the tournament, which is being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, Desabre said his players had given a strong account of themselves against one of the competition’s leading sides.
Speaking after the match, the French coach said: “We created chances that put England in doubt, and they had to rely on the best striker in the world to come back. We did what we had to do, and we were close (to winning), and that is a victory in itself.”
DR Congo lead until late in match
The Congolese side produced a disciplined display at Atlanta Stadium and took the lead with a goal that kept them ahead for much of the match.
England were unable to find an immediate response, with DR Congo maintaining their advantage until the final 15 minutes.
The match changed in the 75th minute when Kane scored to bring England level. The striker then struck again soon afterwards, completing the turnaround and securing England’s progress to the last 16.
For DR Congo, the defeat was difficult after a performance that had put them within reach of one of the biggest results in the country’s football history.
Desabre acknowledged that his squad had been disappointed by the outcome, but said their wider campaign should be judged positively.
The Democratic Republic of Congo had faced Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan during the group stage before meeting England in the knockout rounds.
Desabre praises 3-5-2 approach
Desabre said his tactical setup had helped DR Congo challenge England, explaining that he deployed three defenders at the back.
He said the 3-5-2 formation had worked effectively, particularly in attacking areas, allowing his players to create opportunities against the English defence.
The coach’s approach helped DR Congo remain competitive against a side that eventually needed Kane’s quality to avoid elimination.
Desabre added: “When you represent your national team, you have to make an impact, and everyone saw today that Congolese football has reached a good level.”
His comments reflected his belief that the performance was an important statement for the national team, even though they were unable to convert their strong start into qualification.
The coach said DR Congo had competed with quality opponents throughout the tournament and demonstrated that they could perform on the World Cup stage.
England prepare for Mexico
England now move on to the round of 16, where they will face Mexico national football team on Monday.
The match will take place at the Estadio Azteca, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Kane’s two goals ensured England avoided a shock elimination, but Desabre’s assessment suggested DR Congo had left the tournament with reasons for encouragement.
Their exit came after a campaign in which they faced several established international teams, and their display against England provided a final indication of the progress Desabre believes Congolese football has made.
