Vozinha’s Mother Granted U.S. Visa Ahead of Cape Verde’s Next World Cup Match

• Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha revealed after the draw with Spain that his mother had been unable to secure a visa to attend the World Cup.
• U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the issue has now been resolved following discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
• Vozinha’s mother is expected to travel to Miami for Cape Verde’s next group-stage match against Uruguay.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will have family support in the stands for his country’s next World Cup match after his mother was granted a visa to enter the United States, ending a story that drew significant attention following the nation’s impressive tournament debut.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper became one of the early stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after producing a series of outstanding saves in Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Spain. The result was one of the biggest surprises of the opening round of fixtures, with the tournament newcomers frustrating one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Following the match, Vozinha revealed that his mother had been unable to travel to the United States after failing to secure the necessary documentation.

Speaking on Wednesday, U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed that the situation had been resolved after discussions with senior officials.

“Asked the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cabo Verde’s next match,” Jeffries said.

Jeffries added that visa fees had been waived and travel arrangements were being finalised to ensure she could attend Cape Verde’s second group match against Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.

“I thank Secretary Rubio, U.S. State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this possible,” he said.

Vozinha delivered one of the standout performances of the opening week by making seven saves against Spain as Cape Verde earned a memorable point in their first-ever World Cup match.

Afterward, the veteran goalkeeper explained that financial and administrative difficulties had prevented his mother from travelling to support him.

The issue emerged against the backdrop of wider scrutiny surrounding U.S. visa policies during the tournament. Cape Verde is among a number of countries whose citizens can face significant visa bond requirements under measures introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Although the U.S. government suspended the bond requirement for World Cup ticket holders from Cape Verde and several other participating nations last month, concerns remained that the change came too late for some supporters and family members hoping to attend matches.

The U.S. State Department previously stated it had no record of Vozinha’s mother submitting a visa application, while also confirming that officials were working with Cape Verdean authorities to resolve the situation.

According to a person familiar with the matter, officials believed that Vozinha’s mother had not initially applied because she did not possess a valid Cape Verde passport. That issue has since been addressed, allowing the visa process to move forward.

With the travel situation now resolved, Vozinha is set to focus on Cape Verde’s next challenge as they attempt to build on their remarkable start to the tournament against Uruguay in Miami.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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