Cape Verde's 'hero' goalkeeper Vozinha's mother arrives as team continues World Cup upsets; U.S. waives visa fees

Cape Verde's veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, at 40 years old, has emerged as an unlikely national hero during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His mother's arrival to support him has coincided with a remarkable run of upsets for the island nation's team, which has defied expectations by defeating formidable opponents.

The team's surprising success continued as they overcame both Spain and Uruguay in recent matches. Vozinha's leadership and the team's resilience have captured the attention of the global football community, turning the underdog story into a major talking point of the tournament.

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the U.S. government has announced a waiver of visa fees for citizens of Cape Verde. This gesture acknowledges the team's achievements and the national pride they have inspired, further highlighting the significance of their World Cup campaign.