An emotional World Cup story has taken a heartwarming turn after Ana Candida Evora, the mother of Cape Verde veteran midfielder Vozinha, was granted a visa to travel to the United States and watch her son compete at the FIFA World Cup.
The development comes days after the 40-year-old footballer broke down in tears while speaking about his mother’s inability to attend the tournament due to visa challenges and financial constraints.
My mother couldn’t be here because of the visa. The money we have to pay. We didn’t manage on time, and I would like her to be here,” an emotional Vozinha said following Cape Verde’s opening match.
Cape Verde is among a group of countries whose citizens are reportedly subject to visa bond requirements of up to $15,000 under measures introduced by the Trump administration, citing concerns over visa overstays. The policy had initially made it difficult for several families, including that of Vozinha, to secure travel arrangements for the tournament.
However, the footballer’s emotional plea resonated around the world and drew the attention of prominent American politicians. U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries reportedly contacted Secretary of State Marco Rubio to intervene in the matter.
Subsequently, the U.S. State Department confirmed that relatives of FIFA World Cup players would be eligible for visa bond waivers, paving the way for Vozinha’s mother to complete her travel arrangements.
Ana Candida Evora has now officially received her visa and is expected to be in the stands when Cape Verde faces Uruguay in its next World Cup fixture.
The touching reunion between mother and son has become one of the most inspiring stories of the tournament, reminding football fans across the globe that beyond the competition, the FIFA World Cup is also about family, hope and unforgettable human moments.
Source: Fabrizio Romano