A touching family story behind Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut has drawn the attention of a top US lawmaker, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling for urgent assistance to help the mother of goalkeeper Vozinha attend her son’s next match.
Jeffries appealed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to facilitate a visa for the 40-year-old goalkeeper’s mother after learning she missed Cape Verde’s opening 0-0 draw against Spain because of visa-related challenges.
Reacting to Vozinha’s emotional post-match comments, Jeffries took to X on Tuesday to urge US authorities to intervene.
“The Cabo Verde national football team shocked Spain on the strength of a historic performance by goalkeeper Vozinha,” Jeffries wrote.
His mom was unable to be there because of visa complications. No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history.”
The appeal came after the veteran goalkeeper broke down in tears while reflecting on the absence of his family following one of the greatest moments in Cape Verdean football history.
Vozinha emerged as the hero of Cape Verde’s World Cup debut, producing seven crucial saves to frustrate Spain and secure a memorable draw for the African nation.
The performance earned him the Player of the Match award and transformed him into an overnight sensation.
However, despite the celebrations, the goalkeeper became emotional after revealing that his mother could not travel to witness the historic occasion.
I cry because I grew up with my grandparents, and unfortunately, they are not here. They died a few years before, and they were everything for me,” Vozinha said.
And also because of my mom. She didn’t manage to be here because of the money we have to pay for the visa. We didn’t manage on time. I would like her to be here.”
Following widespread reactions to the emotional story, the US State Department said it was taking steps to assist the player’s family.
According to a State Department official quoted by The Athletic, there is no record showing that Vozinha’s mother had previously applied for a visa.
The official added that relatives of World Cup players are eligible for visa bond waivers and confirmed that the department was actively reaching out to the family to provide assistance.
The US 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,” the official said.
Cape Verde are set to continue their dream World Cup campaign with a crucial Group stage clash against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida.
After stunning Spain with a goalless draw, the Blue Sharks have become one of the surprise stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Much of that success has been built on the brilliance of Vozinha, whose remarkable display against the former world champions captured global attention.
Now, football fans around the world are hoping his mother will be in the stands to witness another chapter in her son’s extraordinary World Cup journey.
With support coming from both political leaders and US authorities, the emotional reunion could become one of the most heartwarming moments of the tournament.
