The heartwarming story of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reached a new emotional peak on Friday when his mother, Ana Candida Evora, arrived at Miami International Airport after securing a U.S. visa. Evora landed at 3:53 p.m. local time from Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, and was greeted by FIFA representatives and airport officials. Dressed in a pink shirt and smiling broadly, she briefly acknowledged reporters before heading to reunite with her son. Speaking shortly after her arrival, Evora offered a simple message of support: “I want to wish him good luck and a good match.”
Vozinha’s Rise to Global Fame
Vozinha, 40, became a global sensation after his stellar performance in Cape Verde’s opening match against Spain, where he made seven crucial saves to secure a historic 0-0 draw—the nation’s first-ever World Cup point. He earned the Player of the Match award, and his social media following exploded from tens of thousands to millions within days.
Emotional Interview Sparks Support
After the match, an emotional Vozinha broke down in tears during a post-match interview, speaking about his late grandparents who raised him and his pain that his mother could not travel to the U.S. to witness his career highlight. The interview went viral, prompting fans, media, and public figures to rally to help secure his mother’s visa and travel.
Reunion Ahead of Uruguay Clash
As Cape Verde prepares for a decisive Group H match against Uruguay, Vozinha now knows his mother will be in the stands. For a player who waited two decades for a World Cup opportunity and a nation making its debut, this reunion symbolizes the tournament’s celebration of sacrifice and human connection.
