Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s remarkable World Cup story took another emotional turn on Wednesday after his mother was granted a visa to enter the United States in time to watch him play in his country’s next match.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper has become one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his heroic display in Cape Verde’s historic 0-0 draw against Spain.
Vozinha produced seven saves against one of the tournament favourites and was named FIFA Man of the Match.
His exploits on the pitch have also translated into unprecedented popularity off it.
Vozinha’s Instagram following has surged from about 50,000 before Cape Verde’s World Cup debut to 13.2 million now, making his account one of the fastest-growing in sports.
After the Spain match, the veteran revealed that his mother, Ana Candida Evora, had been unable to travel to the United States to watch him play because of financial difficulties linked to securing a visa.
The situation drew international attention and prompted intervention from U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Jeffries said he spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and requested assistance for the goalkeeper’s family.
“I asked the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cabo Verde’s next match,” Jeffries said.
He added that all fees had been waived and arrangements were being made to get her to Cape Verde’s Group-stage encounter against Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.
“I thank Secretary Rubio, U.S. State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this possible,” Jeffries said.
The U.S. State Department had earlier stated that it had no record of Vozinha’s mother applying for a visa but said it was working with Cape Verdean authorities to resolve the matter.
The department also said players from World Cup nations affected by a visa bond policy, as well as their families, would be exempt from posting the bond.
According to a person familiar with the matter, U.S. officials believe Vozinha’s mother had not submitted a visa application because she did not possess a valid Cape Verde passport.
The source said she is now in the process of obtaining one.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the confidential nature of visa deliberations.
Cape Verde are preparing for their second World Cup match against Uruguay after making a dream start to their first appearance at the tournament.
For Vozinha whose performances have captured global attention and attracted millions of new followers online, Sunday’s match will now carry even greater significance with his mother expected to be in the stands.
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