The mother of Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been granted a visa to travel to the United States and will attend her son’s next World Cup match against Uruguay in Miami, following high-level political and sporting intervention.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed on Wednesday that he had spoken directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help secure approval for the visa after the 40-year-old’s emotional post-match comments went viral.
Jeffries said he “asked the State Department to do everything in their power” to ensure Vozinha’s mother could be present for Cabo Verde’s second Group H fixture, adding that fees had been waived and travel arrangements were being finalised.
“I thank Secretary Rubio, US State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this possible,” he said.
Vozinha became one of the early stories of the tournament after producing a Player of the Match performance in Cabo Verde’s historic goalless draw with Spain, making seven saves to frustrate one of the competition favourites.
After the match, the veteran goalkeeper revealed that his mother had been unable to secure a visa in time to attend the game, saying financial constraints had contributed to the delay.
His comments sparked widespread attention, with discussions also emerging around US visa requirements and the costs associated with entry for travellers from certain countries.
Cabo Verde is among nations whose citizens may be required to pay substantial visa bonds under US entry rules, a policy designed to address concerns over visa overstays.
The intervention has now ensured that Vozinha’s mother will be present in the stands when Cabo Verde face Uruguay on Sunday in Miami, a match that could prove decisive in Group H.
For Vozinha, who has already written himself into World Cup history with his performance against Spain, the reunion will add a deeply personal dimension to an already remarkable tournament story.
Visa issues prevent Vozinha’s mother attending historic World Cup debut
