“Nothing is decided in advance,” Sebastien Desabre has big dreams for the Democratic Republic of Congo at the World Cup

The French tactician emphasised the Leopards’ determination to make their mark on the world stage.

Qualification is just the first step, says Sebastien Desabre. He insists his team has a chance with the new format, which allows the best third-placed teams to qualify for the round of 32. Desabre remains confident despite being aware of the high standard of this global tournament.

We’ve overcome this first challenge by qualifying. But we mustn’t be content with that. When you’re preparing to compete in an international tournament, it’s with the ambition to get results. With eight teams able to qualify for the round of 32 thanks to the best third-placed teams rule, we have our chances. Nothing is decided in advance. We want to do well and getting through the first round seems entirely possible to me. Playing in a World Cup means facing top-level teams, but it also means having ambition.

DR Congo returns to the World Cup after a 52-year absence. The Leopards are in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.