Who is DR Congo human statue 'Lumumba Vea'?

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - JUNE 23: Michel Kuka Mboladinga, Congolese fan during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Colombia and Congo DR at Guadalajara Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Cesar Gomez/Jam Media/Getty Images).

DR Congo will face England in the Round of 32 - but their iconic human statue won't be there.

The human statue that follows DR Congo far and wide has seen his team at the 2026 World Cup when the country played in Mexico, but won't be able to attend the knockout fixture in Atlanta.