Congressman urges US visa for mother of Cape Verde heroic goalkeeper Vozinha

Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, whose full name is Josimar José Évora Dias, has emerged as a global talking point at the tournament after his seven-save masterclass earned his debutant side's a historic draw against favorites Spain, and himself man-of-the-match honors.

Following the final whistle in Atlanta on Monday, Vozinha broke down in tears. He later told reporters that his emotional response was partly due to the visa issue that prevented his mother, Ana Candida Evora, from witnessing his heroics in person. She could not afford the costly bond required for a U.S. visa.

"I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here, they died a few years before, and they did everything for me and my life," he said, AFP reported.

"Also my mum she didn't manage to be here because of the visa. The money for the visa, we didn't manage (to do) on time and I would like her to be here."

Visa barrier and political intervention

Cape Verde was included in January on a list of dozens of countries whose citizens were required to post bonds of up to US$15,000 to enter the United States. These regulations, introduced by Donald Trump's administration, were intended to curb visa overstays.

Last month, Washington announced it was dropping this requirement for World Cup ticket holders. The government stated it wanted to facilitate "legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament," according to Reuters.

By that point, however, the prohibitively high costs had already caused Evora to rule out attempting the 6,400-kilometer trip to Atlanta.

"I would have loved to travel and watch the match but it was not possible," she told Reuters.

The situation has since drawn the attention of high-ranking U.S. officials.

In a video posted on his Facebook page and in a post on his X account on Tuesday, House of Representatives Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries voiced his support.

"No mother should ever miss the chance to see her son make history."

"I've contacted the State Department and asked them to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother is present when Cape Verde plays their next match this Sunday," he stated in the video.

"I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to do everything in his power," he further wrote on X.

Later on Tuesday, CNN reported that the U.S. State Department is actively working to help bring Vozinha's mother to the U.S. for the remainder of the tournament.

"The U.S. Department of State has no record of this individual applying for a visa. All relatives of players are eligible for visa bond waivers, and the Department is actively reaching out to this player's family to assist with visa services," an official stated, as quoted by CNN.

Cape Verde, officially known as Cabo Verde, is a nation comprised of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, located roughly 600 kilometers off the western coast of Senegal.

This year's FIFA World Cup marks the 500,000-strong African nation's first appearance on the sport's biggest international stage.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (1) makes a save during the World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, June 15, 2026. Photo by AP

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (L) reacts after the World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, June 15, 2026. Photo by AP

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha holds the flag of his country after their 0-0 draw with Spain in World Cup Group H football match in Atlanta, June 15, 2026. Photo by AP