According to press reports, the players of the Democratic Republic of Congo national team have made an official request to the country's president, Felix Tshisekedi, to allow their famous fan, "Lumumba," to accompany the team during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Democratic Republic of Congo national team secured its qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following its victory over Jamaica in the match held at the “Akron” stadium in Mexico.
This qualification represents a historic return for the Congolese national team to the World Cup after an absence of 52 years, since their last participation in the 1974 edition.
The Democratic Republic of Congo will be in Group 11 during the 2026 World Cup, alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Congolese players are demanding that Lumumba be included in the World Cup squad.
The English newspaper “dailysports” said that the Congolese players insisted on the necessity of Lumumba’s presence with the team in the upcoming tournament, after he became one of the most prominent symbols of public support for the national team during the recent period.
The newspaper confirmed that the players do not want to travel to the 2026 World Cup without their legendary fan, especially after his absence from the intercontinental final match held in Mexico, due to not obtaining a visa.
Reports indicated that the Congolese national team had officially requested that Lumumba be included in the delegation, with all necessary measures being taken to ensure his presence and support for the team in the World Cup.
