World Cup: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha reunites with mother before crucial showdown
Friday, June 19, 2026
Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha holds the national flag after their Group H match against Spain at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 15. Photp credit, Xinhua.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set for an emotional reunion with his mother after she was granted a visa to travel to the United States ahead of the team's next FIFA World Cup match.

The development was confirmed by US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who announced that Ana Candida Evora will join her 40-year-old son in Miami before Cape Verde’s Group H clash against Uruguay on Sunday.

Vozinha captured global attention during Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Spain, producing a series of outstanding saves to help his side earn a valuable point against one of the tournament favourites.

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Despite wanting to witness her son’s historic World Cup journey, Evora had initially been unable to travel because of the financial burden associated with securing a US visa bond.

Following the match, Vozinha revealed that his mother had failed to obtain the necessary travel documents, prompting Jeffries to intervene by appealing to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to Jeffries, the required fees were waived and arrangements were made to ensure Evora could travel in time to support her son from the stands.

"I thank Secretary Rubio, US State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this possible,” Jeffries said.

The reunion is expected to provide extra motivation for Vozinha as Cape Verde prepare to face Uruguay in their second Group H encounter on Sunday.