US State Department says working to help Cabo Verde keeper Vozinha's mother attend World Cup
Vozinha revealed after Cabo Verde’s stunning draw with Spain on Monday that his mother had been unable to attend the match because she could not afford the visa bond payment
The US State Department has said that it is working to help bring Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's mother to the United States so she can watch her son play at the World Cup, an official said on Tuesday, reports CNN.
Vozinha revealed after Cabo Verde's stunning draw with Spain on Monday that his mother had been unable to attend the match because she could not afford the visa bond payment.
"She didn't manage to be here because of the visa … the money we have to pay for the visa," he told reporters after the match. "We didn't manage on time, and I would like her to be here."
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Cabo Verde is among 50 countries whose citizens are required under a Trump administration policy to pay a visa bond of up to $15,000 due to concerns over high rates of visa overstays.
Responding to Vozinha's remarks, the State Department official said there was no record of a visa application from the goalkeeper's mother.
The official added that the visa bond requirement is waived for all relatives of players participating in the tournament, according to the CNN report.
The official said the US Department of State has no record of them applying for a visa, and the department is actively reaching out to this player's family to assist with visa services.
A source familiar with the matter said Vozinha's mother does not currently possess a valid passport and is in the process of obtaining one, reports CNN.
According to the State Department's website, "the bond requirement will be waived for athletes and team members – including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives – who are nationals of countries that are competing in the Fifa World Cup 2026 and demonstrate that they meet all requirements for the visa."
The attention surrounding Vozinha marks a remarkable rise for the 40-year-old goalkeeper, who plays in Portugal's second division.
He made seven stunning saves against Spain, frustrating one of the tournament favourites in Cabo Verde's first-ever World Cup match.
Many expected Cabo Verde to suffer a heavy defeat against the European champions, similar to Germany's 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao on Sunday.
Instead, Vozinha and his defence held firm for 90 minutes, securing what is widely regarded as the most significant result in the nation's football history.
The achievement sparked celebrations across the island nation of around 5,30,000 people and drew admiration from football fans around the world, rapidly boosting the goalkeeper's profile.
With encouragement from a Brazilian broadcaster, Vozinha's Instagram following surged from around 50,000 to more than 9.7 million by Tuesday afternoon.
Cabo Verde will return to action on Sunday when they face Uruguay in Miami.
