Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha will be reunited with his mother in Miami before Sunday’s match against Uruguay. Ana Candida Evora can now travel after visa fees were waived, turning a blocked trip into a family visit tied to the World Cup.
Monday in Praia
After Monday’s player-of-the-match performance in the goalless draw with Spain, Vozinha said his mother had been unable to attend the World Cup because of the high cost of obtaining a US visa. He has 91 caps for Cape Verde, and his latest display put the reunion in motion.
Ana Candida Evora said arrangements had been made for her to travel to Miami. She said, “I'm very happy” and added, “This is happening so fast, but I'm quite happy anyway. I'm going to see my son playing in the World Cup, God willing.”
Jeffries and the State Department
Hakeem Jeffries said visa fees had been waived and travel arrangements made for the keeper’s mother. He posted on X that “No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history” and said, “I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in its power to ensure that his mother can attend Cape Verde's next match.”
A US State Department official said the visa team in Praia was in close touch with her and providing the needed services. Cape Verde is one of five countries in the tournament whose citizens are required by the US government to pay a refundable visa deposit of around £11,000, although fans with match tickets were exempted from that rule in May.
Evora said, “I'm going there to support him, to give him strength and courage. I'm going to give him a hug after the game.” That is the shape of the story now: a waiver, a flight, and a mother who should be in Miami when Cape Verde meets Uruguay on Sunday.
