Sebastien Desabre backs unity and belief as DR Congo target World Cup spot

Head coach Sébastien Desabre has delivered a stirring message of belief and unity as DR Congo gear up for their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation playoffs clash against Jamaica.

On the eve of the encounter at the Estadio Akron, the French tactician struck a confident tone, insisting his side remain firmly on course to achieve the long-term objective set when he took charge over three years ago.

“We’re really fired up. We’re still on course to meet our main objective. That’s the goal we set ourselves when I took this job three and a half years ago. This final will be our 13th match since our qualifying campaign began,” Desabre said.

The former African club-winning coach pointed to the steady progress made during the campaign, highlighting both the experience and quality within his squad as key pillars of their push for a place on the global stage.

“We’re lucky enough to have talented players who ply their trade at top clubs. Above all, everyone has really bought into the project we’ve been building together. Everyone is pulling in the same direction to achieve a common goal.”

Desabre also underlined the tactical cohesion that has come to define his team, stressing that collective effort rather than individual brilliance would be central against a dangerous Jamaican side.

“We can make it tough for our opponents because we play as a unit: our forwards track back, our defenders push forward, and everyone pulls together, as if they were soldiers going into battle for their country.”

With a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 hanging in the balance, DR Congo head into the playoff buoyed by belief, structure, and a growing sense of identity—qualities Desabre hopes will carry them past the final hurdle.