Cape Verde goalkeeper's mother to attend World Cup after visa fees waived
Vozinha, the Cape Verde goalkeeper who helped his team draw with Spain, will be reunited with his mother for their next match against Uruguay after US officials waived visa fees.
Vozinha, the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper whose heroics secured a goalless draw against Spain, is set to see his mother at Sunday's game against Uruguay.
After being named player of the match, Vozinha revealed his mother could not attend the World Cup because of the high cost of obtaining a US visa. US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that the visa fees had been waived and arrangements were being made for her to travel to Miami.
"No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history," Jeffries said on X. "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 confirmed that the visa team in Praia was in close touch with her and providing needed services.
Vozinha became the oldest player to appear in a nation's debut World Cup match at 40 years and 12 days. He started his professional career late, at age 25 in 2012. "I cried because I grew up with my grandparents. Unfortunately, they were not here. They were everything to me. And also because of my mum. She didn't manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money," Vozinha said.
Cape Verde is one of five countries participating in the tournament whose citizens must pay a refundable visa deposit of around £11,000, although fans with match tickets were exempted in May.
Vozinha has earned 91 caps for his country and currently plays for Chaves in Portugal's second division. His performance against Spain has made him a cult hero, attracting millions of new social media followers.
