Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha Receives Happy News About Mother After Spain Draw

Cape Verde's World Cup hero, goalkeeper Vozinha, received heartwarming news: his mother, Ana Candida Evora, has secured a U.S. visa to watch him play. This comes after Vozinha's exceptional performance in Cape Verde's historic 0-0 draw against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 40-year-old goalkeeper was instrumental in securing the draw, earning the player of the match award.

Initially, Vozinha expressed deep sadness that his mother could not attend the tournament due to visa and travel complications. "The most painful thing is that my mother cannot be here to see me play in the World Cup," he shared after the match, visibly emotional. His heartfelt words resonated widely, prompting an intervention from a U.S. congressional leader.

Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Caucus leader, contacted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, advocating for Ana Candida Evora's attendance at Cape Verde's upcoming matches. Jeffries argued that a mother should not miss witnessing her child make history on the world stage. This appeal proved successful, as the U.S. Department of State expedited the visa process for Evora.

Officials from the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the visa team in Praia directly assisted Evora, facilitating her travel to the United States. This development provides a significant boost for Vozinha as he celebrates Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup appearance, a moment already etched in history with their impressive draw against a formidable Spanish side.

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The most painful thing is that my mother cannot be here to see me play in the World Cup.