Famous Fan Accompanies Congo National Team to World Cup

Press reports have revealed an extraordinary step within the Democratic Republic of Congo's national team camp before the start of the 2026 World Cup, as it has been decided that the famous Congolese fan Koka Muladenga will travel with the team delegation to the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to Ghanaian journalist Gary Al-Smith, a correspondent for "The Guardian" in Africa, the fan who gained widespread fame during the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has officially been included in the Congolese national team's delegation participating in the World Cup.

The report indicated that the decision came at the direct request of the national team players, before receiving official approval from the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, in a move that reflects the strong relationship between the fans and the team.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo national team is preparing to compete in the World Cup within Group Eleven, which includes the teams of Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. It is a strong group expected to witness intense competition for the qualifying spots.

In the same context, the French coach Sébastien Desabre, the head coach of the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team, announced the final squad that will compete in the tournament, which includes 26 players.

The list is as follows:

In goalkeeping: Lionel Mbasi, Timothy Fayulu, Matteo Ibolo.

In defense: Chancel Mbemba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Gideon Kalulu, Joris Kayembe, Dylan Batubinsika, Rocky Bushiri, Steve Kapuadi.

The midfield included: Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy, Edo Kayembe, Njalaiel Mukoao, Charles Pickel, Theo Bongonda, Nathanael Mbuku, Bryan Smebenga, Gael Kakuta.

In the attacking line: Yoane Wissa, Cédric Bakambu, Simon Banza, Fiston Mayele, and Meschak Elia.