FIFA World Cup 2026: DR Congo “statue fan” Michel Nkuka spotted at Co…

Zapopan [Mexico] June 24 (ANI): DR Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, popularly known as the team’s ‘statue fan’, was spotted during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their Group K clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico on Tuesday (local time). toffler.lol

According to ESPN FC’S X handle, his stance is inspired by the memorial statue of DR Congo’s first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba in the capital Kinshasa, a gesture that has made him a recognisable figure among the national team’s travelling supporters.

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who rose to prominence during the Africa Cup of Nations for imitating a statue of DR Congo’s leader Patrice Lumumba throughout matches.

BlogRCB Crush CSK in IPL 2026 Thriller, Post Highest-Ever Total Against ChennaiThe Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took place on April 5, 2026, at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Ben...Open →

He previously became a viral sensation at the Africa Cup, where he stood motionless on a pedestal in the pose of Lumumba, with his right hand raised, maintaining the still statue-like stance for the entire duration of matches, attracting widespread attention on social media.

Coming to the clash, Colombia secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after a hard-fought victory over the DR Congo on Tuesday (local time).

Congo DR had an early look at a goal when Edo Kayembe attempted a long-range effort, but it went wide as Colombia gradually took control of a lively first half.

During the clash, James Rodriguez is the first player from Colombia to create five goal-scoring opportunities in a World Cup match since Carlos Valderrama against England in 1998 (5), according to OptaJose’s X handle.

Lionel Mpasi stood firm in goal for Congo DR, first denying Jhon Arias, while Daniel Munoz sent the rebound into the side netting. Munoz later came close again with a header that was saved, and although he eventually found the net on the follow-up, the goal was disallowed for offside.

Colombia continued to pile on pressure, with Mpasi making saves to keep out efforts from James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz and Gustavo Puerta. Congo DR nearly struck late in the half, but Arthur Masuaku’s dangerous cross narrowly missed Yoane Wissa, who was close to scoring again after his goal against Portugal.

After the break, Mpasi remained in inspired form, producing another strong save to deny Diaz from close range before Arias fired the rebound wide through a crowded defence.

Colombia’s breakthrough finally arrived when Munoz scored via a deflected effort after excellent build-up play from substitute Jhon Cordoba.

Although Diaz later had two goals ruled out for offside, Colombia held on under late pressure from Congo DR to confirm a top-two finish in Group K ahead of their final match against Portugal.

Congo DR remain in contention for qualification, but must beat Uzbekistan and depend on other results going their way. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Hardik Pandya Trade Deal IPL 2027: टीम इंडिया के स्टार ऑलराउंडर हार्दिक पंड्या आईपीएल 2027 में केकेआर के लिए खेलते हुए नजर आ सकते हैं। इतना ही नहीं, वह टीम की कप्तानी भी कर सकते हैं। आईपीएल 2026 के बाद हार्दिक पंड्या ने कुछ ऐसे संकेत दिए थे, जिससे लगने लगा था कि उन्होंने मुंबई इंडियंस छोड़ने का मन बना लिया है। इसके बाद रिपोर्ट्स आने लगी थीं कि राजस्थान रॉयल्स और मुंबई इंडियंस के बीच एक ट्रेड हो सकता है, जिसमें राजस्थान रॉयल्स से यशस्वी जायसवाल मुंबई इंडियंस जाएंगे और मुंबई इंडियंस से हार्दिक पंड्या राजस्थान रॉयल्स में शामिल होंगे।

Former India batter Shikhar Dhawan and wife Sophie took a break from the endless Indian summer to enjoy a vacation in the latter’s homeland, Republic of Ireland.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shikhar Dhawan (@shikhardofficial)

Sophie shared a series of photographs on Instagram as the couple went out and about, enjoying the country’s natural beauty. “A little recap of Ireland so far,” she captioned the post. The couple tied the knot in February this year.

BlogVignesh Puthur Shines in the 2026 Indian Premier LeagueVignesh Puthur: A Rising Star in the Indian Premier League Vignesh Puthur represents one of the most intriguing stories to emerge from the Indian Premier League in recent years.Open →

Pickleball is rapidly becoming one of India’s most popular sports, attracting players of all ages because it is easy to learn, fun to play, and requires minimal equipment. As more schools, residential societies, sports clubs, and recreational centers invest in courts, choosing the right outdoor pickleball court flooring has become an important decision. The flooring […]

The post Outdoor Pickleball Court Flooring: Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Surface in India appeared first on Gallant Sports.

India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was left speechless after receiving his senior India jersey ahead of the two-match T20I series against Ireland.

The BCCI released a special video featuring Sooryavanshi, in which the 15-year-old was seen receiving his jersey in his hotel room. As was the case during the IPL, the number on his India jersey remains “03”.

Upon receiving the jersey, an emotional Sooryavanshi expressed his delight, saying:

“It’s difficult to express in words. The reason I first picked up a bat and started practising at a cricket ground was to one day wear the India jersey, and that dream has come true today. It feels unreal.”

“I simply cannot explain this feeling in words. It feels like a dream. The moment I saw the jersey, I was so happy. I couldn’t stop smiling. Sometimes, things happen in your life that you never even imagine, and when they do, you are unable to react. That was exactly my reaction,” he added.

This will be Sooryavanshi’s first tour with the senior team. He earned the call-up after a stellar IPL 2026 campaign, where he finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 776 runs.

Along with Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Abhishek Sharma, Morne Morkel and T Dilip boarded a flight from Chennai to Dublin as part of the first batch of the Indian contingent to arrive in Ireland.

Sooryavanshi is in line to become India’s youngest-ever international debutant, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record. Tendulkar, one of the greatest batters in the history of the game, made his international debut against Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16 years and 205 days.

For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz

The post Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Left Emotional After Receiving India Jersey appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.