Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, a prominent DR Congo supporter known as 'Lumumba Vea' for his living statue tribute to independence leader Patrice Lumumba, made his World Cup debut on June 22, 2026, at the DR Congo vs Colombia match in Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron [1, 2, 3, 4].
Mboladinga, who gained fame for standing motionless with his right arm raised and dressed like Lumumba in a jacket and tie, missed DR Congo’s opening World Cup match against Portugal on June 17 due to Ebola quarantine restrictions placed on travelers from DR Congo [1, 2, 3, 4]. The match in Houston ended in a 1-1 draw [1, 2, 3, 4].
Earlier in 2026, Mboladinga was also unable to attend DR Congo’s playoff to qualify for the World Cup against Jamaica because he could not obtain a visa in time despite traveling through Kenya and Ethiopia in attempts to secure one [3, 4]. DR Congo had not qualified for the World Cup in 52 years prior to 2026 [3, 4].
At the June 22 match against Colombia, DR Congo lost 1-0 [3]. Mboladinga "nodded and smiled when asked if he was happy to have finally made it to the World Cup," but he did not want to give an interview [3, 4].
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, which has infected over 1,000 people and caused 254 deaths as of June 2026, has complicated travel for people like Mboladinga who support the national team on the world stage [1, 2].
Patrice Lumumba, whom Mboladinga pays homage to, was assassinated by firing squad in 1961 during a struggle against Belgian-backed secessionists in Katanga [1, 2, 3, 4]. In March 2026, a 93-year-old former Belgian diplomat, Etienne Davignon, was ordered to stand trial over crimes related to Lumumba’s detention and transfer [4].
The next DR Congo World Cup match is scheduled following the June 22 game, where Mboladinga is expected to continue supporting the team in person.
