US State Department Aids Cape Verde Goalkeeper's Mother for World Cup Attendance

The US State Department is stepping in to help Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's mother attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. After Vozinha expressed disappointment over her inability to secure a visa due to financial requirements, efforts are underway to assist her travel. Cape Verde's impressive performance against Spain, resulting in a goalless draw, highlighted Vozinha's skills as he made crucial saves. This article explores the challenges faced by the family and the significance of their journey to support their son during this historic tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 07:46 IST

Efforts to Facilitate Travel for Vozinha's Mother

Washington [US], June 17: The US State Department is working to arrange travel for the mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, enabling her to attend her son's matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to a State Department representative, as reported by a news outlet.

This initiative follows Vozinha's disclosure that his mother could not be present for Cape Verde's match against Spain due to financial obligations related to visa requirements.

“She couldn’t make it because of the visa costs... we couldn’t manage it in time, and I wish she could be here,” he expressed to reporters after the game, as cited by the news outlet.

As per the report, Cape Verde is one of 50 nations whose citizens must comply with a bond requirement of up to USD 15,000, a policy established during the Trump administration due to concerns about visa overstays.

The State Department official confirmed that they are actively working to ensure Vozinha's mother can travel to the US to support her son during the World Cup.

“There is no record of this individual applying for a visa. All relatives of players qualify for visa bond waivers, and the Department is reaching out to assist this player’s family with visa services,” the official stated, as reported by the news outlet.

In the match, Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, showcased an impressive defensive performance, managing to hold the world No. 2 team, Spain, to a scoreless draw in Atlanta. Despite being one of the smallest nations by population to compete in a FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde's defense effectively thwarted Spain's attempts.

Spain attempted 27 shots without scoring, marking the highest number of shots they have taken in a World Cup match without finding the net, equaling their record from the 1998 tournament against Paraguay, which also ended in a 0-0 draw.

Vozinha, at 40 years old, was the standout player, making seven saves, including three critical stops in a six-minute span during the first half.

He also holds the distinction of being the oldest player to appear in Cape Verde's inaugural World Cup match at the age of 40 years and 12 days.

Spain has now gone four FIFA World Cup games without a win, matching their longest winless streak from the 1982 to 1986 tournaments.

Despite the draw, the 2010 champions secured a point and will need to regroup ahead of their next match against Saudi Arabia on June 21.