Cape Verdean player Vozinha’s mother receives US visa to attend next World Cup match

The mother of Cape Verde’s breakout goalkeeper, Vozinha, has been granted a U.S. visa, allowing her to travel to the United States for the next World Cup match, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced on Wednesday.

Vozinha rose to prominence during the World Cup after a stunning seven‑save performance that secured a 0‑0 draw against Spain, a team many expected to dominate the tiny island nation in its World Cup debut.

After that historic match, the goalkeeper revealed that his mother had been unable to secure the necessary funds to obtain a U.S. visa in time to watch him play.

The story quickly attracted attention in Washington. Jeffries said he spoke personally with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and requested that the State Department “do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cabo Verde’s next match.”

According to Jeffries, all standard fees have been waived and immediate travel arrangements are underway to fly her to Miami for Cape Verde’s upcoming clash against Uruguay this Sunday.

“I thank Secretary Rubio, U.S. State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this possible,” Jeffries said.

The rush for a visa underscores the strict travel regulations surrounding the tournament. Cape Verde is among 50 nations whose citizens face bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the U.S., a policy that originated under President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on travelers from countries with historically high rates of visa overstays.

Although the Trump administration suspended the bond requirement last month for ticket‑holders from Cape Verde and four other World Cup nations, critics argued the reversal came too late for many fans to make arrangements.

The State Department initially noted it had no record of Vozinha’s mother ever applying for a visa, but officials quickly pivoted to resolve the issue alongside Cape Verde authorities.

The department also clarified that it had previously notified all players from affected World Cup nations that they and their families would be entirely exempt from the $15,000 visa bond.

A source familiar with the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential visa deliberations, said the State Department believes the initial lack of an application was because Vozinha’s mother did not hold a valid Cape Verde passport. She is reportedly now in the process of obtaining one to finalize her travel.

Vanguard News

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