Bennington, Vermont News
Bennington’s Congolese Community Gears Up for Historic World Cup
This year’s tournament, along with all its controversy, also comes at a moment when soccer has perhaps never had as many fans in Vermont as it does today. Read the story on VTDigger here: ‘Like Christmas’: For Vermont’s Congolese community,…
Last updated:
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national soccer team has qualified for the World Cup after over fifty years.
- Bennington has a vibrant Congolese community that is excited to support their national team.
- Local businesses are seeing increased interest in soccer-related merchandise and events.
MONTPELIER, Vt. NewsWK — As the FIFA World Cup approaches, residents of Bennington and the local Congolese community are filled with excitement over a historic achievement. For the first time in over fifty years, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national men’s soccer team has qualified for the tournament, which begins on Thursday across North America.
Muyisa Mutume, owner of M Square Market in Winooski, has noticed a significant increase in interest from Congolese families in the area. His store is now stocked with soccer jerseys along with traditional Congolese foods and beverages. “Soccer is the main sport in the Congo. It brings a lot of folks together,” Mutume shared. He described the current atmosphere as “crazy” with excitement for the team’s upcoming matches.
Local Impact and Community Spirit
Vermont is home to around 500 to 700 Congolese families, many of whom live in Winooski and nearby areas. Mutume expressed that witnessing Congo’s team on such a grand stage feels “like Christmas for us.” This enthusiasm is also reflected in the growing popularity of soccer in Vermont, partly influenced by the success of the Vermont Green FC, a semi-professional club that has been attracting large crowds since its launch in 2022. Dan Versace, a supporter of Vermont Green from South Burlington, highlighted how the club has fostered unity among soccer fans and inspired local youth to engage with the sport.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
The World Cup kicks off with Congo’s first match against Portugal on June 17. Although high ticket prices may prevent many fans, including Mutume, from attending the games, the pride in their national team’s participation is undeniable. “It’s already a win for us,” Mutume noted, stressing that the mere qualification is a significant achievement for the Congolese community. As the tournament progresses, residents can look forward to coming together to support their team and embrace the lively atmosphere soccer brings to Bennington.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting originally published by VTDigger. Read the original story.
