Michel Kuka Mboradinga became an iconic figure with his motionless pose during the Democratic Republic of Congo match, but is unlikely to feature again at the World Cup.
Published June 27, 2026
Democratic Republic of Congo superfan Michel Kuka Mboradinga will miss Saturday’s crucial World Cup game against Uzbekistan because he was not granted a US visa.
Mboladinga made headlines at the African Cup of Nations final in Morocco at the start of the year.
Recommended stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
He cut out a unique figure on the terrace who stood motionless throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo match, paying tribute to the country’s first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, who was revered in the country after he was killed by a firing squad in 1961.
Mboladinga bears a striking resemblance to Lumumba, wearing a colorful suit that incorporates the country’s colors.
However, after cheering on the Congolese players in their final game in Mexico, they will not travel to Atlanta for their must-win game as they aim to advance to the last 32.
Ambassador Kapinga Yvette Gandu in Washington, D.C., told Reuters she hoped the Democratic Republic of Congo would be able to obtain a visa if it advances to the World Cup finals.
“I hope he brings unique support to the team,” she said Saturday.
Mr Mboladinga, nicknamed Lumumba Bear in homage to Mr Mboladinga, raises his arms to strike a pose similar to the one Lumumba does at his statue in the capital Kinshasa.
In contrast to the lively singing and cheering fans around him, Mboladinga continues to play throughout the match.
His unique support earned him global notoriety and he returned from Morocco in January. He was given a four-wheel drive vehicle by the Congolese government.
After arriving belatedly at the World Cup to bring his own cheer, Mboladinga was in the stands for the Democratic Republic of Congo’s final match against Colombia in Guadalajara on Tuesday, which they lost 1-0.
Mboladinga’s arrival at the World Cup was delayed after restrictions were put in place for travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the Ebola outbreak in the country.
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 1,203, including 321 deaths, government data showed on Friday.
