Why World Cup is eagerly waiting for super fan from Africa Michel Kuka

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is not only about players on the pitch, but also about fans in the stands who bring high-octane emotion to the tournament. One of the most talked-about supporters expected at the tournament is DR Congo’s super fan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, popularly known as “Lumumba Vea.”

He has become a viral sensation because of his unique way of supporting his team and gained international attention last year during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He is known for standing completely still for the entire 90 minutes of a match with one arm raised in the air like a statue.

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His famous pose is a direct tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister and independence hero who was assassinated in 1961. Mboladinga’s motionless stance copies the statue of Lumumba, which fans say is a tribute to Congolese independence history and pride.

Kuka finally arrives to cheer for DR Congo

DR Congo began their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against Portugal in Houston without Mboladinga, but reports suggest he will soon be seen in the stands to cheer for his team.

Mboladinga had missed the opener due to travel clearance issues linked to US entry restrictions over the Ebola outbreak. However, a Reuters report has claimed that he has now arrived at the World Cup and is ready to cheer the team in their next game against Colombia on Wednesday, June 24.

Earlier, Mboladinga faced some visa-related issues even before the World Cup had begun. It was later resolved after the Congolese football federation stepped in and promised to sponsor his trip to North America.

The match is scheduled to take place at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico. His presence is expected to give DR Congo fans and players a ray of hope and extra motivation on the pitch as they aim to qualify for the next stage of the tournament after their 1-1 draw against Portugal last week.

DR Congo are currently second on the Group K standings with 1 point, just below table-toppers Colombia (3) and above Portugal (1) and debutants Uzbekistan (0).