Michel Kuka Mboladinga become an iconic figure for his motionless pose at DR Congo games, but a World Cup repeat unlikely.By ReutersPublished On 27 Jun 202627 Jun 2026Democratic Republic of Congo superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga will miss their key World Cup clash against Uzbekistan on Saturday because he was not granted a United States visa.Mboladinga rose to prominence at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco at the turn of the year.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listHe cut a unique figure on the terraces as he stood motionless throughout DR Congo’s matches in tribute to his country’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, a revered figure in the country after being killed by firing squad in 1961.Mboladinga bears a remarkable resemblance to Lumumba, wearing colourful suits with his country’s colours.But after supporting the Congolese in their last match in Mexico, he will not be in Atlanta for their must-win game as they look to advance to the last 32.Congolese ambassador in Washington, DC, Kapinga Yvette Ngandu told the Reuters news agency she hoped he would get a visa if DR Congo progressed to the knockout stage of the World Cup.“I hope he brings his own brand of support to the team,” she said on Saturday.Nicknamed “Lumumba Vea” because of his tribute, Mboladinga raises his arm to strike a pose similar to one held by Lumumba in a statue of him in the capital Kinshasa.In stark contrast to the vibrant singing and cheering fans around him, Mboladinga is still throughout the game.His unique support won him worldwide notoriety, and when he got back from Morocco in January. he was gifted a four-wheel drive by the Congolese government.Mboladinga was in the stands for DR Congo’s last game against Colombia in Guadalajara, which they lost 1-0 on Tuesday, after belate …
