Sébastien Desabre, head coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo, said he addressed the media ahead of a group-stage World Cup match against Portugal [1, 2].

The match represents a historic milestone for the nation, marking DR Congo's first appearance in the World Cup in 52 years [5]. For Desabre and his squad, the game is an opportunity to establish an early presence in the tournament and challenge one of the world's top-seeded teams.

The contest is scheduled to take place at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas [3, 4]. While some reports listed the date as Wednesday, June 16, 2026 [4], official FIFA documentation identifies the match date as June 17, 2026 [1]. The kickoff is set for 18:00 BST [3].

During the press conference, Desabre said the Portuguese side, which continues to be led by Cristiano Ronaldo, is strong [2]. He said his players feel no fear entering the match despite the disparity in recent tournament experience. Desabre said Portugal have what it takes to reach the last four [2].

Desabre's strategy focuses on resilience and the desire to make a statement on the global stage. The coach said the long absence from the tournament adds a layer of motivation for the players and the supporters traveling to the U.S. [5].

The team's preparation in Houston has centered on neutralizing Portugal's offensive threats while leveraging the physical presence of the Congolese squad. Desabre said the team is ready for the challenge and intends to compete fully for the duration of the match [1, 2].

“"Portugal have what it takes to reach the last four."”

DR Congo's return to the World Cup after five decades highlights a resurgence in Central African football. Facing a powerhouse like Portugal in the group stage serves as a litmus test for Desabre's tactical development and the team's ability to compete against elite European competition on U.S. soil.