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DR Congo's Lumumba Vea attends World Cup match against Portugal

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 10:10 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

DR Congo's Lumumba Vea attends World Cup match against Portugal

Summary

DR Congo is set to make its World Cup debut on June 17, 2026, after 52 years. Lumumba Vea, known for his statue-like presence during matches, gained attention at this year's Africa Cup of Nations. The country's leadership intervened to ensure he could travel to the United States for the tournament, following a visa denial for an earlier qualifier. DR Congo qualified for the World Cup via an intercontinental playoff in Mexico after defeating Jamaica in March. They face Portugal in a challenging match after their long-awaited return to the World Cup stage.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Lumumba Vea stands still like a statue during matches.
•DR Congo last appeared in the World Cup in 1974.
•Vea was added to the travel squad after presidential intervention.
•The team qualified by defeating Jamaica to secure their spot.
•DR Congo faces Portugal in their opening match.

Latest Updates

10:10 AMYahoo Sports — Meet the DR Congo super fan who stands like a statue all game

What they're saying

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DR Congo will make its first appearance at a World Cup in 52 years on Wednesday, which means the world will be introduced to its most famous fan.
— Yahoo Sports

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