Democratic Republic of the Congo: CAN 2025 or World Cup 2026? Sébastien Desabre made his choice without hesitation
On the eve of a decisive period for Congolese football, Sébastien de Sabre has made his ambitions clear. Having reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and just one game away from a historic 2026 World Cup qualifier, the Democratic Republic of Congo heads to Morocco with high expectations. Canada 2025.
advertise
when asked TV5 World News Given a choice between winning the African Cup of Nations and booking a World Cup ticket, the Leopards coach was unequivocal:
This has nothing to do with using clowns. It’s about the game itself. We want to win. Congo wants to win everything. When you look at the line-up for the Africa Cup of Nations, it’s fantastic. I have lived in Africa for 15 years and I can see the progress of African football.
It’s a bold statement that reflects the team’s refusal to set any limits. At the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco (December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026), the Democratic Republic of the Congo will participate in Group D together with Senegal, Benin and Botswana.
Meanwhile, Leopards will fight for their World Cup dreams in March 2026, taking on the winners of the Jamaica-New Caledonia play-offs in the continental decider. Two main goals, one simple mission: win it all.
