Vozinha, Cape Verde's goalkeeper who emerged as a 2026 North and Central America World Cup star by recording seven saves against title favorite Spain, is expected to be able to meet his mother at the stadium for the second match against Uruguay.
On the 18th, according to AP and Reuters, the player's mother, Ana Candida Evora, 59, will be seated in the stands for Group H's second group-stage match between Cape Verde and Uruguay on June 22 at Miami Stadium in the United States.
Outlets said it was thanks to U.S. authorities taking swift action so that the player's mother could obtain a visa in time for the Uruguay match. Earlier, Evora was unable to attend the first match due to the U.S. government's policy to prevent illegal stays.
To prevent illegal stays after visa expiration, the U.S. government requires citizens of some countries, including Cape Verde, to deposit a bond of up to $15,000 (about 23 million won) when applying for a tourist visa.
In May, it allowed ticket holders for matches from five World Cup participant countries, including Cape Verde, to defer the bond, but criticism arose that the decision came too late. Evora was also said to have given up traveling to the United States due to the expense issue.
In response, U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, "No mother should miss the moment when a child makes history," and "I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to take every possible step within its authority."
Jeffries said, "I am honored to share that Vozinha's mother has been able to receive a visa in time to attend the next match," noting, "All visa fees have been waived, and we are coordinating the schedule so that mother and son can reunite in Miami."