DR Congo's statue superfan misses World Cup opener against Portugal
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 11:08 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
DR Congo faced Portugal in their World Cup opener on June 18, 2026, in Houston. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Yoane Wissa scoring for DR Congo. Meanwhile, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known as Lumumba Vea, was unable to attend due to travel restrictions related to an Ebola outbreak. His absence was felt, as players had requested his inclusion in the official delegation. Mboladinga is expected to join the team later in the tournament for their match against Uzbekistan on June 27.
- •DR Congo and Portugal drew 1-1 in their World Cup opener.
- •Yoane Wissa scored for DR Congo before halftime.
- •Mboladinga's travel issues stem from U.S. Ebola entry restrictions.
- •Players requested Mboladinga's inclusion in the World Cup delegation.
- •Mboladinga is expected to join the team for their next match.
- 11:08 AMYahoo Sports — Why did DR Congo’s statue superfan not appear at 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Portugal
"DR Congo pulled off one of the early shocks of the 2026 World Cup without the country’s most recognizable supporter frozen in the stands. Michel Kuka Mboladinga, better known as Lumumba Vea, was expected to be part of the story.
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