Democratic Republic of the Congo: CAN 2025 or World Cup 2026? Sébastien Desabre chooses without hesitation
On the eve of a decisive stage for Congolese football, Sébastien Desabre makes his ambitions very clear. After reaching the semi-finals of AFCON 2023 and now just one match away from a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the Democratic Republic of the Congo travels to Morocco with high expectations to CAN 2025.
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When asked about TV5 World To hypothetically choose between winning the AFCON or getting a ticket to the World Cup, the Leopards coach was blunt:
It’s not about using a wild card. It’s about the competitions themselves. We want to win. Congo wants to win everything. When you look at the lineup at AFCON, it is fantastic. I have lived in Africa for 15 years and I can see how much African football has evolved.
A bold statement that reflects a team that refuses to set limits. At AFCON Morocco 2025 (December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026), the Democratic Republic of the Congo will compete in Group D alongside Senegal, Benin and Botswana.
Meanwhile, the Leopards will fight for their World Cup dreams in March 2026, facing the winner of the playoff between Jamaica and New Caledonia in the intercontinental decider. Two main objectives, one simple mission: win it all.