DR Congo popular fan, Michael Kuku Mboladinga, popularly known as Lumumba, will miss his country’s FIFA 2026 World Cup Play Off match against Jamaica after failing to secure a travel visa in time.
The fan cum popular icon had initially travelled to Kenya in a bid to obtain the necessary visa for the trip but was unsuccessful and returned home to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
Following his return, Lumumba was advised to make a fresh attempt in Ethiopia, where he was told the process could be expedited through available contacts. However, despite the possibility of fast-tracking, visa processing is expected to take at least 24 hours.
Coupled with the lengthy travel time to Mexico — estimated between 18 and 30 hours depending on flight connections — it has become clear that the forward will not arrive in time for the international fixture.
As a result, Lumumba will remain in DR Congo and support his country from home as they take on Jamaica, hoping they make it to the World Cup where he can further continue his show of support.