Ana Candida Evora, mother of Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha, arrived at the arrivals hall of Miami International Airport, Florida, at 3:53 PM on 19/6. She wore a pink t-shirt, smiled, and shook hands with staff from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).
FIFA staff then assisted Evora through a group of reporters before she left the airport. It remains unclear if she will travel directly to Tampa, where Vozinha and his teammates are resting, or wait until 21/6, when Cape Verde plays Uruguay at Miami Stadium as part of the Group H qualifiers.
"I want to wish my son good luck and a good match", Evora said.
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Ana Candida Evora (in pink) arrives at Miami International Airport, Florida, on 19/6. *Reuters*. |
Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, kept a clean sheet against Spain's strong attack in his World Cup debut on 15/6. After the match, he burst into tears, telling reporters his emotions stemmed from his mother's inability to attend due to visa complications.
Cape Verde was on a list of countries whose citizens had to pay a 15,000 USD bond, in addition to standard fees, when applying for a US visa. President Donald Trump's administration later waived this requirement for World Cup ticket holders. However, before the policy adjustment, the initial high cost prevented Evora from completing the procedures in time.
The story quickly garnered attention. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called on Secretary of State Macro Rubio to facilitate the Cape Verdean goalkeeper's mother's travel to the US to watch her son play. Jeffries later announced that Evora had been granted a visa fee waiver.
Vozinha expressed his joy that his mother could finally attend the World Cup to watch him play. However, he also emphasized his desire for attention to return to football, as Cape Verde prepares for a match that could bring them closer to the knockout stage.
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Vozinha (left) cries after Cape Verde's 0-0 draw with Spain in their Group H opener at the 2026 World Cup, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, US, on 15/6. *AP*. |
By Nhu Tam (Reuters, AFP)
