2026 FIFA World Cup becomes stage for fans’ vibrant display of history and cultural heritage
Amid the emotions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a Brazilian fan watched the clash between Scotland and Brazil, valid for Group C, during an official FIFA event in Miami, Florida, on June 24th. This scenario reveals an unexpected connection between historical references such as the Vikings, the traditional Scottish kilt and a symbol of African independence: the world football tournament.
Parallel to the competition on the field, where athletes seek the coveted trophy, fans transform stands and public spaces into vibrant demonstrations of their roots and customs. They bring the richness of their cultural heritage to the event, supporting their selections with a unique touch of identity.
Such cultural manifestations provide a window into the history and values of the countries participating in this edition of the World Cup, hosted in 16 cities spread across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Norway saw its Viking tradition resurface in the stands with an emblematic recreation made by its fans. After the narrow 3-2 victory over Senegal on June 22, captain Martin Ødegaard led the team and thousands of fans at the New York-New Jersey stadium in a rousing “Viking row” to the sound of a bass drum. The recording of this performance quickly went viral on digital platforms.
The repercussion of the celebration was so great that the “rowing” spread, being imitated by citizens in the streets, subway stations and even in nursing homes. In Oslo, the capital, parliamentarians reproduced the gesture as a show of support for the team, solidifying the celebration as a memorable moment of the tournament, regardless of the Norwegian path in the competition.
Meanwhile, on June 24, a different scenario was taking place in Miami Beach: before the game between Scotland and Brazil, the area was dominated by Scottish fans who paraded in their traditional checkered kilts and the distinctive sound of bagpipes.
Even with the adverse score of 3-0 for Brazil, the Scottish fans, affectionately nicknamed the “Tartan Army”, stood out as one of the most debated topics in Miami due to the vivacity of their cultural manifestations and their unshakable spirit. The fans’ ability to become a separate event, regardless of the sporting result, projects an image of national pride that goes beyond the field.
The Scottish presence in the city was made even more notable by the appearance of a humanoid robot, dressed in a kilt, who joined fans in their dances and celebrations, adding an element of modernity to the tradition.
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Unlike the festive crowds, a singular figure caught attention, being described as a “living statue” for its stillness and solemnity.
This unique fan is Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known for his fervent passion for the Democratic Republic of Congo football team.
Nicknamed “Lumumba Vea”, which means “Lumumba is alive”, he adopts a striking posture: he climbs onto a platform and remains erect and motionless throughout the game, with his right hand raised in greeting. This act transcends simple cheering, becoming a powerful memorial and an act of cultural resistance that echoes the country’s history.
His gesture is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recognized worldwide as an emblem of anti-colonial resistance and the struggle for African freedom, brutally murdered in 1961. In addition to becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the World Cup, “Lumumba Vea” has also established himself as a style icon, sporting suits with extravagant designs inspired by the colors of the Congolese flag.
On June 24, Seattle and Vancouver were taken over by large concentrations of Canadian and Bosnian fans. Singing and cheering at parties organized to accompany the clashes in the final group stage, the cities witnessed the euphoria of fans as they saw their teams secure passage to the next stage of the tournament.
The International Football Federation (FIFA) highlighted the importance of these events, stating that fan festivals, which enliven host cities, encapsulate the true “essence of football” in its most communal and festive dimension.
