Sport: Soccer Category: Scores & Results

DR Congo fan Lumumba Vea stands still as support during matches

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 1:17 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DR Congo fan Lumumba Vea stands still as support during matches

Summary

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as "Lumumba Vea," continues his unique tradition as a supporter of the DR Congo national soccer team during the 2026 World Cup. He stands motionless, honoring Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister, to embody emotional support for the players. This World Cup marks DR Congo's second appearance, the first being in 1974. Mboladinga arrived in Guadalajara just in time for the match against Colombia. Following this match, DR Congo will face Uzbekistan to complete the group stage.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mboladinga symbolizes emotional support for DR Congo during the World Cup.
•His tradition went viral during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
•The team is currently in the group stage of the tournament.
•DR Congo's next match is against Uzbekistan on Saturday.

Latest Updates

3:36 AMYahoo Sports — DR Congo fan ‘Lumumba Vea’ becomes World Cup star in the stands
1:17 PMYahoo Sports — Meet 'Lumumba Vea,' the DR Congo fan who stands still during matches

What they're saying

"
Iconic fan Michel Kuka Mboladinga arrived late at the World Cup but brings a unique presence in the stands in a tribute to his country's first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba
— Yahoo Sports