Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s World Cup journey took a fresh emotional turn on Friday after his mother arrived in Miami following approval for a U.S. visa, giving her the chance to watch his side take on Uruguay on Sunday.
At a glance
- Vozinha’s mother, Ana Candida Evora, received a U.S. visa and arrived in Miami in time for Sunday’s Group H match versus Uruguay.
- Evora departed Cape Verde’s capital Praia after U.S. visa approval was granted following Vozinha’s tearful comments after Cape Verde’s debut tournament draw with Spain.
- Vozinha was named Player of the Match in the 0-0 draw against Spain, a performance that helped elevate him into a breakout tournament figure.
- Evora was seen at Miami International Airport at 3:53 p.m. local time wearing a pink top and greeting FIFA-accredited staff.
Evora traveled from Praia after the U.S. State Department issued her the visa, a decision that followed Vozinha’s emotional reaction after Cape Verde’s shock 0-0 draw with Spain. In that match, the 40-year-old goalkeeper was named Player of the Match.
Speaking about the arrival, Vozinha said he was thrilled that his mother could finally see him play at the World Cup in person. Even with the family reunion nearing, he stressed that his team’s focus must remain on the football ahead as Cape Verde aim to move closer to the knockout places.
Evora emerged from the arrivals hall at Miami International Airport at 3:53 p.m. local time, dressed in a pink shirt. She smiled as she greeted members of staff wearing FIFA accreditation.
With FIFA and airport personnel nearby, Evora made her way through a small group of waiting reporters before stepping into an elevator to continue her trip and reunite with her son. The meeting is expected to come ahead of Sunday’s Group H clash with Uruguay.
“I want to wish him good luck and a good match,” Evora said.
It remained unclear whether she would immediately make a five-hour drive to Tampa—where her son has been staying before the game—or whether she would wait until Sunday to be reunited with him.
Vozinha’s performances have drawn growing admiration since Cape Verde’s early tournament moments, particularly his standout showing against Spain. His heroics in that match helped position him among the competition’s breakout players.
Attention intensified further after the final whistle in that Spain game, when Vozinha broke down in tears while explaining that his grandparents, who raised him, had died. He also said his mother had previously been unable to travel to the United States to witness what he described as the biggest moment of his career—until now.
