DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre received devastating personal news during his post-match media briefing following Wednesday evening's 2-1 World Cup elimination to England in Atlanta.
As the press conference drew to a close at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, the national team's communications officer interrupted proceedings with a sombre announcement.
"Thank you. However, we are informing you that the coach has lost his father; our sincere condolences," the official stated in French.
The 49-year-old Frenchman, who had moments earlier been reflecting on his side's spirited performance, appeared visibly shaken by the public disclosure.
DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre was told of his father's passing during his press conference
|FIFA
He paused briefly, offered a quiet "merci," and departed the room.
It remains uncertain whether Desabre had been informed of his father's passing prior to the announcement, though footage of the moment spread rapidly across social media platforms.
The emotional scene capped an evening that had promised so much for the African nation, who were competing in football's showpiece tournament for the first time in 52 years.
Brian Cipenga's seventh-minute strike had stunned England, with DR Congo maintaining their advantage for more than an hour.
Harry Kane ultimately rescued Thomas Tuchel's side, netting twice in the final fifteen minutes to secure passage to a last-sixteen encounter with Mexico.
Prior to receiving the tragic news, Desabre had spoken with evident satisfaction about his squad's courageous display against one of world football's elite nations.
🕊️🇨🇩 FLASH | Le sélectionneur de la RD Congo, Sébastien Desabre, a appris le décès de son père après son match contre l’Angleterre…pic.twitter.com/8VOH7kvg5S
— AlertesInfos (@AlertesInfos) July 1, 2026
"When you represent the national team you have to leave a good image behind and this I believe we did," the coach remarked.
"We are more proud than disappointed. We are disappointed to be leaving the World Cup of course but we scored five goals in the tournament and played much higher-ranked teams and managed good results."
He acknowledged that England's quality ultimately proved decisive, noting it required "the best striker in the world to save them."
Harry Kane scored a brace for the Three Lions | REUTERSDR Congo secured their place at the tournament by overcoming Jamaica in the intercontinental play-offs, subsequently navigating a challenging group containing Portugal and Colombia.
They progressed in third position following a 3-1 triumph over Uzbekistan, having also earned a draw against the Portuguese.
Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa struck the woodwork during Wednesday's contest, missing an opportunity to extend their lead before Kane's intervention.
Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe expressed frustration at the outcome, stating: "Ultimately we're kicking ourselves more so because we felt we should've definitely held out the game.
"Probably should've finished it in the first half as well."