Calls Mount for Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother to Get US Visa for World Cup

Calls are growing for the mother of Cape Verde's star goalkeeper, Vozinha, to be granted a US visa to attend the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Vozinha, whose real name is Josimar Dias, expressed deep emotional distress after his team's historic 0-0 draw against Spain, revealing that his mother and grandparents could not be present due to visa complications.

The issue stems from a US visa bond payment requirement, which applies to citizens from certain countries, including Cape Verde. Despite this, the U.S. State Department has clarified that immediate relatives of World Cup players are eligible for visa bond waivers and is actively attempting to assist Vozinha's family. It has also been reported that Vozinha's mother is currently in the process of obtaining an active passport.

The goalkeeper's poignant disclosure has brought broader concerns about World Cup entry barriers into sharp focus, prompting a US House of Representatives minority leader to publicly urge the Secretary of State to ensure Vozinha's mother can attend future matches.