DRC: CAN 2025 or World Cup 2026? Sébastien Desabre makes his choice without hesitation

On the eve of a decisive period for Congolese football, Sébastien Desabre is making his ambitions crystal clear. After reaching the semi-finals of AFCON 2023 and now just one game away from a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, DR Congo head to Morocco with high expectations for CAN 2025.

When asked by TV5 Monde to choose hypothetically between winning the AFCON or booking a ticket to the World Cup, the Leopards' coach was unequivocal:

This isn’t about using a joker. It’s about the competitions themselves. We want to win. Congo wants to win everything. When you look at the line-up at the AFCON, it’s fantastic. I’ve been living in Africa for 15 years and I can see how much African football has evolved.

A bold statement that reflects a team refusing to set any limits. At AFCON Morocco 2025 (December 21, 2025 - January 18, 2026), DR 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 Jamaica–New Caledonia playoff in the intercontinental decider. Two major objectives, one simple mission: win it all.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr