DR Congo Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga Denied U.S. Visa for Atlanta Match
Mboladinga will miss DR Congo’s must-win World Cup game after being denied a United States visa, officials said.
- On Saturday, the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta, securing a maiden World Cup knockout round appearance with a comeback victory powered by Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa's brace.
- Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov stunned Congo early with a 10th-minute goal, but the African side controlled possession at 56 percent and found a lifeline when Wissa converted a penalty kick midway through the second half.
- Fiston Mayele fired Congo ahead in the 78th minute with a deft flick that beat the goalkeeper, while Wissa sealed the victory in added time with a strike from the edge of the box.
- The Congolese team finished third in Group K and will return to Atlanta next Wednesday to face England in the round of 32 knockout stage.
- This year's expanded 48-team competition has highlighted African nations' rising influence; Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre said, "I believe that, yes, there should be more teams in the World Cup.
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149 Articles
DR Congo beat Uzbekistan and fly to World Cup round of 32
Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3–1, securing a place in the World Cup knockout stage. The victory means nine of the tournament's ten African teams have advanced to the next round, joining South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Egypt, Algeria and Ghana. For some teams, including Congo, it marks the first time they have reached this stage of the competition.
World Cup 2026 DR Congo Beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to Reach Last 32
World Cup 2026 DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta to reach the last 32 for the first time, with Yoane Wissa scoring twice in a comeback. The post World Cup 2026 DR Congo Beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to Reach Last 32 appeared first on The Rio Times.
Colombia and Portugal, on the other hand, advanced with a goalless draw. Uzbekistan can pack their bags.
DR Congo's 'Living Statue' fan denied US Visa for World Cup group stage clash
Famous DR Congo fan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known as 'Lumumba Vea', confirmed he was denied a US visa and missed their World Cup Group K clash against Uzbekistan — his second absence of the tournament.
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