Every major sporting event spawns a fresh batch of memecoins. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is no exception, and the latest proof is a Solana-based token called $MADUEKE, named after England winger Noni Madueke, who just made headlines urging his teammates not to underestimate the Democratic Republic of Congo in their upcoming knockout round clash.
Here’s the thing: the token has no notable trading volume and zero verified connection to Madueke himself.
The football backdrop driving the hype
Madueke, who moved from Chelsea to Arsenal in July 2025 for a base fee of £48.5 million, has been a key figure in England’s World Cup campaign. The 24-year-old contributed a penalty in England’s victory over Croatia during the group stage, helping the squad advance to the Round of 32.
During a press briefing ahead of the DR Congo match, Madueke confirmed the squad has been practicing penalties. He also addressed the competition for starting spots with teammate Bukayo Saka, calling it “healthy competition.” England’s group stage included wins over Croatia and draws with Ghana.
