Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Granted Visa After Emotional World Cup Match

Emotional Victory for Cape Verde's Goalkeeper

In Miami, Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha became an instant sensation after his team managed to secure a goalless draw against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, his tears post-match were for his mother, who was unable to attend the game. In a touching development, the US government has intervened and granted her a visa.

Government Steps In to Help

The 40-year-old goalkeeper shared his heartbreak after the match, explaining that his mother couldn't be present due to stringent visa regulations and financial constraints. Following the viral spread of his story, the US government took action.

On Wednesday, Hakeem Jeffries, the US House Democratic Leader, announced that Vozinha's mother, Ana Candida Evora, has received her visa. Jeffries mentioned that he had a conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the State Department to facilitate her attendance at Cape Verde's upcoming match.

Visa Challenges Overcome

For many Cape Verdean citizens, obtaining a US visa is a significant challenge, often requiring a bond of approximately ₹12.5 lakh. Ana Candida, who works as a home cleaner, was unable to afford this amount, leading to her initial visa denial. However, the US government recognized this as a unique situation and waived all visa fees and bond requirements for Vozinha's family. FIFA and the Cape Verdean government are collaborating to arrange her travel.

Vozinha's Stellar Performance

In their inaugural World Cup match, Cape Verde faced off against the formidable Spain, currently ranked second in the world. Vozinha shone brightly, making eight remarkable saves during the match, earning him the title of Man of the Match. His outstanding performance also catapulted him to social media fame, with his Instagram followers skyrocketing from 50,000 to over 5 million overnight.

A Special Reunion in Miami

Cape Verde's next group match is scheduled against Uruguay in Miami this Sunday. This time, Ana Candida Evora will be in attendance to cheer for her son. For Vozinha, who is nearing the end of his career, having his mother present at such a significant tournament will undoubtedly provide a tremendous boost of confidence for both him and the team.