Vozinha’s mother set to watch World Cup match after Hakeem Jeffries steps in on visa case
WASHINGTON, DC: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's emotional World Cup journey has taken a turn toward reunion after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stepped in to help resolve visa complications affecting his mother’s travel plans.
Days after Vozinha’s tearful admission following Cape Verde’s historic debut, efforts from US officials and international football authorities have now cleared the way for his mother, Ana Candida Evora, to attend his next World Cup match.
Emotional World Cup moment sparks global response
Vozinha emerged as one of the standout names of the tournament after delivering a strong performance in Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Spain, which secured the nation’s first-ever World Cup point. The result marked a historic milestone for the island team and brought global attention to its players.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s story has gone viral after an emotional World Cup moment. 🇨🇻🧤
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) June 16, 2026
He revealed his mother couldn’t attend the tournament due to visa issues, despite him shining on the pitch.
After the story broke, Cape Verde authorities reportedly moved quickly to… pic.twitter.com/RjuaxFLOWy
But the match gained even more attention after Vozinha’s post-game interview, where he revealed that his mother was unable to attend due to visa-related complications. His comments quickly spread across social media, turning a sporting achievement into a widely discussed human story.
Star Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha and his mother will be reunited in Miami in time for the match on Sunday.
— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) June 17, 2026
Thank you to Secretary Rubio, U.S. State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this happen. pic.twitter.com/JaWpSQuzb2
Hakeem Jeffries intervenes with US State Department
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he reached out to Secretary of State Marco Rubio after learning about the situation. He urged the State Department to take steps to ensure the family could be reunited during the tournament.
Jeffries later confirmed that visa fees had been waived under existing policy and thanked US State Department officials, FIFA, and the Cape Verdean government for coordinating efforts to move the process forward.
According to officials familiar with the matter, procedural issues initially delayed approval, including incomplete travel documentation. Those hurdles have now been addressed as Evora prepares the necessary papers with assistance from authorities.
Ana Candida Evora, the mother of Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, will be allowed to travel to the United States after Washington agreed to waive her visa application fees, according to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
— African Hub (@AfricanHub_) June 17, 2026
The decision means Evora will be able to watch her son… pic.twitter.com/JZZCSJxgwQ
Visa clearance clears path for family reunion in Miami
Arrangements are now in place for Ana Candida Evora to travel to Miami ahead of Cape Verde’s upcoming match against Uruguay. Jeffries said he appreciated the cooperation between all parties involved in resolving the matter quickly.
He also highlighted the emotional significance of Cape Verde’s World Cup run, noting the team’s impact on fans across the diaspora and beyond.
If travel plans proceed as expected, Sunday’s match will mark a personal milestone for Vozinha as he prepares to see his mother in the stands for the first time during the tournament.
What began as a difficult moment after Cape Verde’s historic debut has now shifted into a reunion story set to unfold on football’s biggest stage.
