World Cup 2026: 'Living statue' of Lumumba joins DR Congo fans after quarantine
Key takeaways
- By: FRANCE 24 DR Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga pictured at the stadium in Guadalajara for the World Cup match against Colombia, on June 23, 2026.
- Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Colombia battle past DR Congo to reach round of 32
- Lumumba Vea, as the sharply dressed supporter is known for his resemblance to the slain leader, was at his seat about an hour before the game at Estadio Akron.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the Congolese supporter known for posing as the "living statue" of independence hero Patrice Lumumba, was finally able to join fans of the Leopards at the World Cup on Tuesday after missing the team's opener due to Ebola quarantine requirements.
By: FRANCE 24 DR Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga pictured at the stadium in Guadalajara for the World Cup match against Colombia, on June 23, 2026. © Eloisa Sanchez, Reuters Congo’s famous living statue finally made his World Cup debut on Tuesday.
Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who gained fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for posing as a statue of Congo’s assassinated independence leader Patrice Lumumba for the entirety of games, attended Congo's 1-0 loss to Colombia after missing its opener against Portugal because of Ebola quarantine requirements.