Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother will get to cheer her son on at the World Cup after all, following an emotional story that captured attention around the globe.
Ana Candida Evora has been approved to travel to the United States, allowing her to witness her son compete at soccer’s biggest stage. The news comes after Vozinha broke down while revealing that his mother missed his remarkable performance in Cape Verde’s opening match — a 0-0 draw against European champions Spain in Atlanta — because of visa complications.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper was named player of the match after stopping seven shots to help his team earn a stunning result against one of the tournament’s top contenders.
His tearful disclosure quickly spread across social media, prompting the U.S. State Department to get involved. Officials said their visa team in Praia reached out directly to Evora and provided the necessary assistance to get her approved for travel.
“Consistent with all policies, procedures, and standards, full steam ahead for travel for the game,” a State Department official told reporters.
Evora is now expected to be in the stands when Cape Verde takes on Uruguay in their second group stage match in Miami on Sunday.
The situation had been complicated by a requirement that citizens of Cape Verde and several other nations post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the U.S. — a policy tied to President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. That bond requirement was eventually lifted for World Cup ticket holders, but the financial uncertainty had already led Evora to abandon plans to travel to Atlanta for the Spain match.
