New Delhi:Cape Verde’s heroic goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother will be in the stands when he next walks to the pitch against Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, after the US officials ensured she could get a visa in time to attend the match in Miami.
His mother has travelled from Sao Vicente to Praia to complete paperwork for the US trip, where she is expected to reunite with her son. The 40-year-old goalkeeper delivered a sensational performance against Spain, helping the team to hold the European champions to a 0-0 draw.
‘Vozinha’s mother will be able to secure a visa in time to attend their game this Sunday’: US Congressman Hakeem JeffriesCape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother, Ana Candida Evora, traveled from Sao Vicente to Praia to complete paperwork for a trip to the United States, where she is expected to reunite with her son after missing Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut https://t.co/GAklChiW3w pic.twitter.com/cmOiFwyF0z
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 18, 2026
After the game, Vozinha tearfully said that his mother, Ana Candida Evora, had not travelled to the World Cup due to a visa issue. The US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries later said in a statement on Wednesday that no mother should miss a chance to see her make history.
“I spoke with the Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cape Verde’s next match. It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mum will be able to secure a visa in time to attend their game this Sunday,” he added.
A State Department official said in a statement provided to Reuters that they can confirm their visa team in Praia is in close touch with his mother and is providing the needed services.
Cape Verde was one of dozens of countries whose citizens needed to post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the United States as part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown. Although this rule was later lifted for the World Cup ticket holders, Evora told Reuters that she had already decided not to travel because of the expense.
“All fees have been waived consistent with official policy. Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami,” added Jeffries.
But she has now completed her paperwork and will be in attendance for Cape Verde’s Group H match against Uruguay on Sunday.
