The mother of Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha receives a visa to look after his son at the World Cup

The mother of Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha will finally be able to watch her son play in the World Cup after being granted a visa to travel to the United States, following his tearful revelation that she missed his heroics against Spain due to travel issues.

Vozinha was Cape Verde’s player of the match in the tournament opener after she made seven saves to secure a stunning 0–0 draw against European champions Spain in Atlanta.

But the 40-year-old goalkeeper’s joy was dampened when he revealed his mother, Ana Candida Evora, was unable to watch his exceptional performance due to a visa problem. The US State Department intervened after his emotional revelation went viral, with officials saying their visa team in Praia was in close contact with Evora and provided necessary services before confirming her permission to travel.

“In accordance with all policies, procedures and standards, full speed ahead for travel for the match,” a State Department official told reporters.

Evora can now watch her son when Cape Verde faces Uruguay in their second World Cup group match in Miami on Sunday.

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Cape Verde was one of dozens of countries whose citizens were required to issue bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the US under President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration policies, but that requirement was later dropped for World Cup ticket holders.

However, the high costs had forced Evora not to make the trip to Atlanta.

Published on June 18, 2026