Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set to enjoy an emotional reunion with his mother after U.S. officials moved to secure her visa in time for the nation’s second match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ana Candida Evora was unable to attend Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut against Spain because of visa complications, leaving the 40-year-old goalkeeper visibly emotional after helping his country earn a memorable point in its first appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Vozinha produced a standout performance in Cape Verde’s opening Group H match on Monday, making a series of key saves to frustrate Spain as the tournament newcomers secured a surprising 0-0 draw.
Despite the landmark result, the veteran goalkeeper admitted afterward that his celebration was overshadowed by the absence of his mother, who had been unable to travel from Cape Verde after encountering visa difficulties.
The situation prompted intervention from senior U.S. officials ahead of Cape Verde’s next World Cup fixture against Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.
U.S. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he had personally discussed the matter with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and urged the State Department to do everything possible to ensure Ana Candida Evora could attend the match.
“No mother should miss the opportunity to watch her son make history,” Jeffries said in a statement, according to Reuters.
“It is an honor to announce that Vozinha’s mother will be able to obtain her visa in time to attend their match this Sunday,” he added.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that officials were actively assisting with the application process.
“We can confirm that our visa team in Praia remains in close contact with her and is providing the necessary services,” the department said in a statement.
Cape Verde had been among dozens of countries whose citizens were initially required to post a security bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States under President Donald Trump’s broader immigration policy.
That requirement was later waived for World Cup ticket holders, although Ana Candida Evora had reportedly decided against making the trip because of the overall cost.
Jeffries said those concerns had now been addressed.
“All fees have been waived in accordance with official policy,” he said. “Travel arrangements are now being made so that mother and son can be reunited in Miami.”
The reunion is expected to provide an emotional boost for Vozinha, whose performance against Spain established him as one of the early stories of the tournament. The experienced goalkeeper repeatedly denied one of football’s traditional powerhouses, helping Cape Verde collect a valuable point in its World Cup debut.
Cape Verde will now seek to build on that result against Uruguay as it continues its pursuit of a place in the knockout stage. For Vozinha, however, Sunday’s match will carry significance beyond football, with his mother finally expected to witness her son’s World Cup journey from the stands after missing the historic opening chapter.
