Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s exceptional World Cup story took one other emotional activate Friday when his mom arrived in Miami after receiving a US visa, permitting her to look at her son’s crew face Uruguay on Sunday.
Ana Candida Evora traveled from Cape Verde’s capital Praia after the US State Division supplied her with a visa following Vozinha’s tearful feedback after the event debutants’ shock 0-0 draw with Spain, by which the 40-year-old was named Participant of the Match.
Vozinha stated he was delighted his mom would lastly be capable to see him play on the World Cup in individual, however made it clear he wished the main focus to return to soccer as Cape Verde prepares for a match that would transfer them nearer to the knockout rounds.
Evora emerged from the arrivals space at Miami Worldwide Airport at 3:53 pm native time carrying a pink shirt, smiling as she shook arms with members of employees carrying FIFA accreditation.
Surrounded by FIFA and airport employees, she walked via a small huddle of ready reporters earlier than entering into an elevator and persevering with her journey to reunite together with her son forward of Sunday’s Group H conflict with Uruguay.
Ana Candida Evora, the mom of Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha, appears to be like on at Cesaria Evora Worldwide Airport close to Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, earlier than she begins her journey to the US, June 17, 2026. REUTERS/Davidson Alves Buy Licensing Rights, opens new tab
“I need to want him good luck and an excellent match,” she stated.
It was not instantly clear whether or not she would begin a five-hour drive to Tampa, the place her son has been staying forward of the sport, or wait till Sunday for the reunion.
Vozinha’s heroics in opposition to Spain turned the veteran goalkeeper into one of many breakout stars of the event.
The eye solely intensified after the ultimate whistle when Vozinha broke down in tears, explaining that his grandparents, who had raised him, had handed away and that his mom had been unable to journey to the US to witness the largest second of his profession.
His feedback went viral, prompting an outpouring of assist.
