Sebastien Desabre targets strong DR Congo impact at World Cup after 'turbulent' build-up

The DR Congo head coach spoke after his team finally arrived in the United States on Thursday, having travelled from Paris and completed a mandatory 21-day quarantine period required by US authorities before entry.

The squad's preparations were heavily affected by an Ebola outbreak in their home country, which forced them to cancel a planned training camp in DR Congo and instead base themselves in Belgium in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

Despite the disruption, Desabre insisted his players had stayed focused and adapted well to the challenges.

"We adapted to the situation," said Desabre. "We had to focus, as we have had to adapt often. That is what we did. We worked well, we played two tough friendlies and here we are. Now, it is another step for us."

For DR Congo, this marks a historic return to the World Cup stage, with the nation qualifying for the first time since their appearance as Zaire in the 1974 tournament. Desabre said the achievement already meant a great deal to supporters back home, who have waited decades to see their team on football's biggest stage again.

"It has been a while since the people have seen the team at the World Cup," he said. "We already had the honour of qualifying for the finals. Now, it is up to us to put up a good showing in this tournament."

DR Congo will be based in Houston during the competition. They begin their Group K campaign on 17 June against Portugal, before facing Colombia in Guadalajara on 23 June. Their final group match comes against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on 28 June.