Democratic Republic of Congo coach Sebastien Desabre insists his side carries zero pressure into their World Cup last-32 clash against England in Atlanta on Wednesday, viewing the knockout fixture as a historic opportunity rather than a burden for the returning African nation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo heads into Wednesday’s showdown at Atlanta facing England in the last 32 during their first knockout appearance at the tournament. Returning to the global stage for the first time since 1974—where they lost all three matches—the squad has navigated uncharted territory by advancing as the top-ranked third-placed side in the group stage.
Sebastien Desabre and DR Congo group stage results
The journey to Atlanta required resilience across a challenging group campaign. Desabre’s side held Portugal to a draw, suffered a narrow defeat against Colombia, and ultimately secured their progression with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. Those results banished the memories of their previous World Cup appearance over five decades ago.
“It was already an achievement and a progression to return to the World Cup after 52 years of absence, Earning the first point in the first match, scoring the first goal, that was another step. Scoring three goals in a match and winning a match at the World Cup was an additional step. Qualifying for the round of 32 was another step.”
Sebastien Desabre, DR Congo coach
For a squad carrying the hopes of a nation where football is life in our country and other African countries, reaching this stage represents a major milestone. Desabre noted that his players have already won numerous hearts through their determination, motivation, and resilience under pressure.
England fixture and tournament expectations in Atlanta
While England enters the fixture as one of the sides expected to go deep in the tournament, the Congolese camp believes the weight of expectation rests entirely on their opponents. Desabre emphasized that his players are treating the match as a chance to create a fresh exploit rather than merely participating.
“The pressure, of course, is on the England team, because they must continue their path according to their objectives, We will do everything to qualify, and that is what I told the players, and the players tell themselves, this is a very beautiful opportunity to create another exploit rather than simply coming here to discover the competition.”
Sebastien Desabre, manager
Penalty shootout preparation against Nigeria and AFCON
With the round of 32 already featuring notable penalty shootout upsets—including Paraguay defeating Germany and Morocco eliminating the Netherlands via spot kicks—Desabre confirmed that his squad has actively prepared for the possibility of penalties. The team holds recent experience in high-stakes shootouts, having won against Nigeria in qualifying on penalties and secured another shootout victory at the AFCON in the Ivory Coast.
“We practice penalties because we are professional, and it’s one possibility to win the game with a penalty, We worked on that, and we won against Nigeria (in qualifying) on penalties. Also, we won in Egypt in, not the last AFCON, but in the AFCON in the Ivory Coast, and we have a lot of possibilities for penalties.”
Sebastien Desabre, coach
As the match in Atlanta approaches, the squad remains focused on maintaining the competitive edge that carried them through the group stage, looking to add another chapter to their historic tournament run.
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