One of the most inspiring stories of the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to get an emotional new chapter. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s dream of having his mother watch him play on football’s biggest stage is finally becoming a reality.
According to reports, Ana Cândida Évora, the goalkeeper’s mother, is now traveling to the United States after receiving assistance with the visa process.
She was unable to attend Cape Verde’s opening match against Spain due to visa complications and the high cost of the required travel documentation. As a result, she missed her son’s heroic performance in person.
Vozinha was one of the standout players of the first round, producing seven saves against Spain and earning the Player of the Match award after helping Cape Verde secure a remarkable 0-0 draw.
The U.S. State Department reportedly became involved in efforts to help Évora obtain the necessary documents to travel. Calls were made for officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to do everything possible to ensure she could attend Cape Verde’s upcoming matches.
The heartwarming development means that one of the tournament’s early heroes may soon have the chance to perform in front of his biggest supporter for the very first time at a World Cup.
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