World Cup: “DR Congo will not settle for less”- Sebastien Debsabre

Head coach of DR Congo Sebastien Desabre has opened up about the countries chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Leopards faced one of the toughest qualification challenges of having to go through two playoffs to reach the mundial.

During the continental lottery, DR Congo eliminated Nigeria via 4-3 penalty shootouts following a 1-1 draw in the finals in Morocco.

DR Congo must not settle for less

The victory qualified them for the inter-confederation playoffs where Axel Tuanzebe’s only goal against Jamaica in the 100th minute secured Africa’s 10th slot.

Heading to the global stage for the for the first time in 52-years, head coach Desabre believes they must not settle for less.

“We met this first challenge by qualifying. But we mustn’t settle for that,” the Frenchman told afrikfoot.

“When preparing to compete in an international tournament, it’s with the ambition to achieve results.

DR Congo pooled in Group K

Desabre says DR Congo has a big potential to reach far at the tournament.

“With eight teams that can qualify for the round of 16 thanks to the rule of the best third-placed teams, we have our chances.

“Nothing is written in advance. We want to perform well, and getting past the first round seems entirely possible to me.

“Playing a World Cup finals is about facing top-level teams, but also having ambition.”

DR Congo will now join Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K.

It is their first appearance since 1974, when they participated as Zaire.