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DR Congo 'Living Statue' superfan denied World Cup visa by US ahead of England clash

DR Congo's iconic 'Living Statue' football fan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known as 'Lumumba Vea', has been denied a US visa and will miss DR Congo's World Cup knockout clash against England in Atlanta

[Congo DR fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, also known as Lumumba Vea, is famous throughout his nation for standing like a statue at games.]

Congo DR fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, also known as Lumumba Vea, is famous throughout his nation for standing like a statue at games.(Image: (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))

Michel Kuka Mboladinga is renowned for standing perfectly still like a bronze statue amid a throng of fervent DR Congo fans, paying tribute to a fallen African hero - yet America's unwelcoming gates have slammed shut on arguably the 2026 World Cup's most iconic supporter.

Mboladinga, recognised by millions as "Lumumba Vea," has confirmed his United States visa application was rejected, officially barring him from witnessing DR Congo's pivotal Group K World Cup encounter against Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Triumph over Uzbekistan has propelled DR Congo into the knockout phase, setting up a showdown with England in Atlanta next week. Yet he will be unable to witness that match either while the ban remains in force.

[Congo DR fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, also known as Lumumba Vea, was denied entry into the United States for DR Congo's final World Cup group game.]

Congo DR fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, also known as Lumumba Vea, was denied entry into the United States for DR Congo's final World Cup group game.(Image: (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))

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Meanwhile, the Congolese football President has urged FIFA to compensate supporters hit by Ebola-related restrictions.

Mboladinga's absence represents another setback after he journeyed to DR Congo's previous fixture against Colombia in Mexico. "This will be Mboladinga's second World Cup absence," said Congolese ambassador to Washington Kapinga Yvette Ngandu.

She voiced optimism that he might yet secure a visa should DR Congo reach the knockout rounds. "I hope he brings his own brand of support to the team."

[Jude BELLINGHAM of England celebrates his goal with Noni MADUEKE during the FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L match between England and Panama at MetLife Stadium on June 27, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.]

England will face DR Congo in their last 32 World Cup fixture(Image: Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

He had already been forced to sit out the opening clash against Portugal due to travel restrictions connected to the Ebola outbreak.

The World Health Organization documented more than 1203 confirmed cases of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus with 321 deaths as of Thursday.

Mboladinga himself has embraced his growing fame during the tournament. He kept supporters informed through social media, confirming his absence from the fixture and sharing reports that he had been denied entry to the United States.

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The DR Congo superfan also made sure to send his heartfelt support to his country ahead of the momentous clash. He commands over 255,000 followers on Instagram and serves as an official ambassador for the football federation.

Mboladinga posted a photograph of himself performing his signature statue pose alongside the message, "Good luck to our national team. History is being made again. May God bless the DRC."

Fans from around the world, including supporters from Brazil, Colombia, and other countries, expressed their solidarity with him. DR Congo supporters even mimicked his pose during the match as a gesture of unity.

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The United States government has not publicly revealed why Mboladinga's visa request was turned down. Under long-established privacy laws, the State Department does not comment on individual visa cases.

The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, specifically DR Congo, has resulted in increased screening, quarantine measures, and visa delays for its travellers. This has affected a significant number of fans, journalists, and officials from the region.

A former USAID worker fears that this outbreak could surpass the 2014 crisis in West Africa, which took 11,000 lives.

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