Sébastien Desabre has urged his DR Congo players to draw strength from their narrow 2-1 defeat to England, insisting the experience gained in Atlanta will accelerate the Leopards' development on the international stage.

DR Congo were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Wednesday after Harry Kane's brace overturned a stunning early lead for the Leopards in the Group Stage clash in Atlanta.

Cipenga's opener stuns the Three Lions

DR Congo made the perfect start when Brian Cipenga — playing with the freedom of a player unburdened by expectation — fired a superb strike to put the Leopards ahead after just seven minutes. It was the winger's first goal at international level.

England, however, began to assert themselves. Thomas Tuchel's side created a succession of clear chances, only to be frustrated by goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who produced an outstanding display of shot-stopping to keep DR Congo in front at the break.

Kane's double decides it

Bayern Munich striker Kane proved his class in the final quarter, first heading England level with 15 minutes remaining before spinning away from his marker and driving an unstoppable effort inside the near post five minutes from time to complete the comeback.

Desabre focuses on the future

Despite the defeat, Desabre was measured in his assessment and chose to focus on what the campaign had given his group of players.