After Visa Hurdles, Vozinha’s Mother Lands in U.S. to Support Cape Verde Goalkeeper

After Visa Hurdles, Vozinha’s Mother Lands in U.S. to Support Cape Verde Goalkeeper

By Admin 

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is set for an emotional reunion with his mother after she arrived in Miami following a successful effort by U.S. authorities to facilitate her travel for the FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Ana Candida Evora landed at Miami International Airport on Friday, two days before Cape Verde’s Group H encounter with Uruguay at Hard Rock Stadium. Her arrival comes after concerns emerged that she would miss her son’s historic World Cup campaign due to difficulties securing the necessary travel documents.

Vozinha, 40, became one of the tournament’s early standout performers after producing a series of crucial saves in Cape Verde’s surprising 0-0 draw against Spain. The veteran goalkeeper’s display helped secure one of the competition’s most notable results and earned him widespread praise.

Following the match, Vozinha revealed that his mother had been unable to travel to the United States. The situation attracted public attention and prompted intervention from U.S. officials, who ultimately waived associated fees and expedited the visa process.

Evora arrived from Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, and was greeted by FIFA representatives upon her arrival in Miami. Smiling as she exited the arrivals area, she briefly addressed reporters.

“I want to wish him good luck and a good match,” she said ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

It remains unclear when the pair will reunite, with Vozinha currently based in Tampa as part of Cape Verde’s preparations for the match against Uruguay.

The case drew attention amid broader U.S. visa policies affecting travelers from several countries, including Cape Verde. While the Trump administration had previously suspended certain visa bond requirements for World Cup ticket holders from participating nations, critics argued that the measures came too late for many supporters hoping to attend the tournament.

According to U.S. officials, players and their immediate families from affected World Cup nations were exempt from the visa bond requirement. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Evora’s travel delays may also have been linked to passport documentation issues, which have since been resolved.

The breakthrough followed appeals from several figures, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who said he had contacted Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help ensure Evora could attend her son’s next match.

Jeffries later confirmed that travel-related fees had been waived and thanked U.S. officials, the government of Cape Verde and FIFA for their cooperation.

The development adds another chapter to one of the tournament’s most compelling stories. Vozinha’s performance against Spain not only earned Cape Verde a valuable point but also secured his place in the record books. The goalkeeper, who plays for Portuguese club Chaves, became the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his FIFA World Cup debut and was named Player of the Match after making seven saves and preventing an estimated 1.46 expected goals.

Now, with his mother in the United States for the first time during the tournament, Cape Verde’s inspirational goalkeeper will have family support as he looks to continue his remarkable World Cup journey.