MIAMI, USA: Just days after Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha captured the world’s heart by holding Spain to a stunning scoreless draw, an even more emotional victory has been secured off the pitch, his mother will finally be in the stands to watch her son make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The heartwarming reunion was made possible after intervention from the US State Department and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who announced Wednesday that Ana Candida Evora will secure a visa in time for Cape Verde’s crucial Group H match against Uruguay this Sunday in Miami.
🚨🚨| JUST IN: US State Department has stepped in to help Cape Verde hero Vozinha’s mother get to the World Cup.
After the 40-year-old goalkeeper’s stunning Man of the Match performance (7 saves) in Cape Verde’s historic 0-0 draw vs Spain, his mother Ana Candida Évora couldn’t… pic.twitter.com/h8TxqbUmF1
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) June 17, 2026
A son’s tears and a mother’s distance
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who plays in Portugal’s second division, became an overnight sensation after producing seven saves against tournament favorites Spain, earning his country’s first-ever World Cup point. But behind the heroics lay a personal heartbreak.
“I cried because my mum didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to [get it done] on time. I would like her to be here,” an emotional Vozinha told reporters after the match.
Cape Verde is among 50 countries whose citizens are required to pay a bond of up to $15,000 to secure a US visitor visa, a Trump-era policy targeting nations with high rates of visa overstays. While the State Department had previously waived the bond requirement for players and their families, Vozinha’s mother reportedly faced challenges, including not having a valid passport.
⚽ La historia que conmovió al Mundial 2026 podría tener un final feliz. Tras el histórico empate 0-0 de Cabo Verde ante España, la madre del arquero Vozinha está más cerca de verlo jugar en el escenario más grande del fútbol. Autoridades estadounidenses confirmaron que recibirá… pic.twitter.com/RmpNKxZo1v
— elsalvador.com (@elsalvadorcom) June 17, 2026
Political intervention brings hope
Upon learning of the situation, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries personally intervened, reaching out to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cabo Verde’s next match,” Jeffries said in a statement. “It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mom will be able to secure a visa in time to attend their game this Sunday against Uruguay. All fees have been waived consistent with official policy. Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami”.
A State Department official confirmed that “all relatives of players are eligible for visa bond waivers” and that the department was actively reaching out to assist the family. Officials noted that Vozinha’s mother had not previously applied for a visa, in part due to passport issues, but those obstacles are now being resolved.
The US State Department is trying to help get Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother to the United States to watch her son play in the World Cup, a State Department official said. https://t.co/VlsPDHmJZl pic.twitter.com/0PtZrUBnXy
— CNN (@CNN) June 16, 2026
From 50,000 to millions: A star is born
Vozinha’s remarkable journey has captivated football fans worldwide. His Instagram following skyrocketed from approximately 50,000 to nearly 10 million after his heroic performance against Spain . The nation of around 530,000 people erupted in celebration, and the world danced along with them.
Reflecting on his journey, Vozinha said: “I have worked my whole life for this moment. I’m 40 years old. I started playing football professionally when I was 25, in 2012. I thought about leaving but I continued because of this dream. This is for everyone”.
Now, with his mother by his side in Miami, the dream is about to get even sweeter.
