African fan brings Lumumba tribute to World Cup (PHOTOS/VIDEO)

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga stood motionless behind the team bench after missing the opening match over Ebola rules

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) football supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, better known as Lumumba Vea, finally made his World Cup debut on Tuesday after missing the team’s opener against Portugal due to Ebola quarantine restrictions. 

The fan stood behind the DR Congo bench during the match against Colombia, recreating the motionless pose that turned him into a social media sensation. 

Wearing a bright red jacket and tie, a yellow shirt and blue trousers, Mboladinga stood on a pedestal with his right arm raised for almost the entire match. 

Apart from a brief delay returning after halftime, he remained frozen in character until after the final whistle. He declined interviews but acknowledged reporters with a smile and a nod, several news agencies reported. DR Congo lost 1-0 to Colombia.

FOR THE COUNTRY 🇨🇩🐆🙋🏾‍♂️#FIFAWorldCup #FifaWorldCup26 pic.twitter.com/852moEIBgp

— LUMUMBA VEA 🇨🇩🐆 (@JumbaDrc) June 24, 2026

Mboladinga’s performance is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, who became the DR Congo’s first prime minister when the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960, but was ousted within months and executed by firing squad in January 1961 at the age of 35.

The appearance came as several African teams continue to make headlines at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup with a series of notable results.

South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday night in their final Group A match to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history. 

UNBELIEVABLE SCENES IN MONTERREY 🇿🇦

SOUTH AFRICA TAKES THE LEAD OVER SOUTH KOREA! pic.twitter.com/YUq0uCTCqX

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 25, 2026

Morocco also advanced to the knockout stage after beating Haiti 4-2 in its final Group C match.

Cape Verde drew attention despite failing to win its opening match, holding Spain to a 0-0 draw. The result was secured largely through the performance of 40-year-old goalkeeper Josimar Dias, known as Vozinha, who made seven saves against the reigning European champions. Cape Verde followed up the result with another draw, holding Uruguay 2-2.

Other African teams have continued to collect points. Ghana held England to a goalless draw, while Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 and Algeria defeated Jordan 2-1.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in the US, Canada and Mexico. The tournament is the first in history to feature 48 national teams.

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