Emerging
Published Jun 18, 2026Updated Jun 192
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Cape Verde Goalkeeper's Mother Secures US Visa to Watch World Cup Match
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's mother, Ana Candida Evora, secured a US visa to watch her 40-year-old son play in the 2026 World Cup after US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries coordinated with the State Department to waive visa fees and arrange logistics. A Zhejiang businessman operating in Cape Verde also assisted with the visa application process, helping facilitate the family's reunion.
Quick Facts
- Vozinha kept a clean sheet against Spain in World Cup group stage
- Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Spain
- Vozinha's mother was unable to attend due to visa costs
- Congressman Jeffries coordinated with the State Department
- All visa fees were waived
Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha emerged as a national hero after his stellar performance in the 2026 World Cup group stage, where he kept a clean sheet against European champions Spain in a stunning 0-0 draw. The 40-year-old's individual Instagram following surged from 50,000 to 13.2 million in the aftermath of the match. However, Vozinha was visibly emotional after the game, revealing that his mother, Ana Candida Evora, could not attend due to high visa costs and procedural obstacles.
The situation prompted intervention from US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, who communicated with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to expedite the visa process. On June 17, Jeffries announced that all visa fees would be waived and that arrangements were being made for Vozinha's mother to travel to the United States. The US State Department confirmed the assistance, stating that its visa team in Praia would provide necessary support. The visa fees, typically around $15,000 under previous immigration protocols, had deterred Evora from attempting to travel initially.
Parallel to diplomatic efforts, a Zhejiang businessman named Lin Jie, who has operated in Cape Verde for 23 years, also played a crucial role in facilitating the paperwork. Lin visited Vozinha's home to offer congratulations and gifts, and subsequently assisted with the visa application process. Early on June 18, Evora successfully obtained her visa and departed for the United States, with Lin seeing the family off at the airport. Evora is now set to watch her son compete against Uruguay in Cape Verde's next group stage match scheduled for June 21.
Linjiang expressed admiration for the local passion for football in Cape Verde and was amazed by the team's performance against Spain, which many observers had predicted would result in a defeat. He emphasized the historical significance of Cape Verde's strong World Cup showing, believing the team would continue to achieve further successes. The convergence of high-level diplomatic assistance and grassroots community support ensured that Vozinha could share this historic moment with his mother.
Why This Matters
This story illustrates how diplomatic intervention and grassroots community support can overcome bureaucratic barriers to family reunification. For readers, it demonstrates the human impact of visa policies and costs—a 40-year-old athlete's emotional moment with his mother becomes possible only through coordinated high-level political action and business goodwill. The narrative also highlights unexpected cross-cultural connections (a Chinese businessman in Cape Verde) and the power of sports to inspire political engagement, making it relevant for those interested in immigration reform, sports diplomacy, and international solidarity.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireCongressman Jeffries announces coordination with State Department and visa fee waiver
Jun 18, 2026
WireLin Jie accompanies family to airport for farewell
Jun 21, 2026
WireScheduled match: Cape Verde vs Uruguay