World Cup 2026: “We will do everything we can to qualify over England” – DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre

DR Congo coach Sébastien Desabre insists his outfit will do everything possible to qualify over England in the round 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

The African outfit takes on the European powerhouse in a highly competitive clash on Wednesday evening, with victory crucial to securing a place in the round 16 of the global showpiece, being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Despite being considered underdogs on paper, Desabre insists that his team are not approaching the match as a reward for reaching the knockout stage, but as a genuine opportunity to make history.

“We’re going to do everything we can to qualify. That’s what I’ve told the players, and it’s what they keep telling each other. We see this as a great opportunity to achieve another remarkable feat, rather than simply coming here to experience the Round of 16.”

DR Congo’s journey to this stage has been built on discipline, tactical structure, and collective resilience. While they may lack the individual star power of traditional footballing giants like England, their strength has come from unity and a fearless approach to each opponent.

Desabre has consistently emphasized mentality as the defining factor of their campaign. His latest comments reinforce that belief: his team are not intimidated by reputation, rankings, or history.

Instead, the Congolese side are leaning into their underdog identity, an approach that has already delivered surprises in this World Cup.

England, meanwhile, enter the clash as clear favourites. With a squad packed with Premier League stars and tournament experience, they are widely expected to control possession and dictate the tempo.

However, knockout football rarely follows script. England’s path to this stage has not been flawless, and defensive vulnerabilities have occasionally surfaced. That will give DR Congo hope that an upset is possible if they remain compact and clinical.

For DR Congo, this match represents more than just a quarterfinal qualification opportunity—it is a chance to redefine their place in global football.

A victory over England would be regarded as one of the greatest results in the nation’s football history, and Desabre’s message suggests the team are fully committed to chasing that moment.

Whether they succeed or not, their journey has already marked a significant step forward for Congolese football on the world stage.