World Cup 2026 - DR Congo: Desabre refuses to fear Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo

17.06.26 FT World Cup

Portugal

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DR Congo

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Ahead of their World Cup 2026 opener against Portugal, DR Congo is showing measured confidence. Despite the Seleção’s status as favorites, Sébastien Desabre believes in the chances of his Leopards and promises a team ready to fight and pull off an upset.

DR Congo approaches their World Cup 2026 debut against Portugal without any inferiority complex. Yet, the Leopards are well aware of the magnitude of the challenge awaiting them against one of the world’s most formidable squads. Still, Sébastien Desabre has unwavering faith in his team’s potential.

Read also: 2026 World Cup: Senegal fall to France and are left with major regrets

Desabre refuses to fear Portugal

Speaking at a press conference, the Congolese head coach expressed total confidence in his squad:

"Tomorrow, we’re up against one of the best teams in the world. We know this team, we have a lot of respect for Portugal—they’re one of the world’s elite—but we are very strong and will impose our own style of play. This is a team effort, it’s not just about Cristiano Ronaldo."

However, the French manager pointed out that DR Congo’s presence at this level is already the result of a long road.

"If we’re here, it’s thanks to hard work. Our first victory is simply being here. We want to reach the next stage: that’s our goal, and we have a strategy to get there. The players are ready, 100 million Congolese are watching us, we want to show courage, and we will do everything possible," he concluded.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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