Vozinha’s Mother Granted U.S. Visa, Set to Watch Cape Verde’s Next World Cup Match

Extra Time Web Desk: Cape Verde star goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother, Ana Cândida Évora, has been granted a U.S. visa, allowing her to travel to the United States in time to watch her son’s next FIFA World Cup match. The announcement was made by Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of the U.S. House of Representatives.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Jeffries said that Vozinha and his mother would arrive in Miami ahead of Sunday’s match.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper became one of the standout performers at the start of the tournament after producing a series of crucial saves in Cape Verde’s impressive 0-0 draw against Spain. Many had expected the European giants to comfortably defeat the small island nation, but Vozinha’s outstanding display helped secure a memorable result.

Despite his heroics on the pitch, his mother was unable to attend the match in the United States because she could not afford the bond fee required as part of the visa process.

Following the match against Spain, Vozinha revealed that his mother had not yet received her visa and therefore could not be present to witness his remarkable performance in person. He expressed disappointment that she was unable to watch one of the most important matches of his career from the stands.

In response, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appealed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting special permission for Ana Cândida Évora to enter the country.

Jeffries later confirmed that all visa-related fees had been waived and that travel arrangements were being made to bring Évora to Miami for Cape Verde’s next World Cup fixture.

“I want to thank Secretary Rubio, officials at the U.S. State Department, the Government of Cabo Verde, and FIFA for their cooperation in making this possible,” Jeffries said.

Cape Verde will face Uruguay in their second Group H match on Sunday, with Vozinha’s mother now expected to be in attendance to support her son from the stands.