Cape Verde star Vozinha’s mother has been granted a visa for the United States of America (USA) to attend 2026 FIFA World Cup matches after she was unable to watch his heroics against European champions Spain on Monday (June 15). The 40-year-old won the Player of the Match (POTM) award as the African nation played a 0-0 draw on their World Cup debut in Atlanta.
Vozinha became an internet sensation with a performance for the ages as he made seven saves and kept a clean sheet while registering several world records in the process. After the game, the player was emotional and in tears. While speaking to the media, he revealed that his mother could not watch the match due to visa issues.
“I cried after the game because I grew up with my grandparents when I was a kid, and they could not be there. They passed away a few years ago. My mom could not be here either due to a visa issue and the money we had to pay for it. We did not manage to do this in time,” said Vozinha after the game.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries made the announcement and claimed the visa fee has been waived.
“I thank Secretary Rubio, US State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this possible,” said Jeffries.
“We can confirm our visa team in Praia (Cape Verde’s capital) is in close touch with her and providing the needed service,” said the USA state department as per the Athletic.
The issue is a ‘Visa Bond Pilot Program’ where people from 50 countries, which include Cape Verde have to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 in order to get a tourist visa for the USA.
Vozinha’s Cape Verde will face Uruguay in their next game on Sunday (June 22) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
