The remarkable World Cup journey of Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha took another emotional turn on Friday after his mother arrived in the United States to support him ahead of the team’s crucial Group H clash against Uruguay.
Ana Candida Evora travelled from Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde, after receiving a U.S. visa following widespread attention surrounding her son’s emotional story. Her arrival comes just days after Vozinha inspired tournament debutants Cabo Verde to a stunning 0-0 draw against Spain, a performance that earned the veteran goalkeeper the Player of the Match award.
Evora landed at Miami International Airport at 3:53 p.m. local time. Wearing a pink shirt and smiling warmly, she greeted airport and FIFA staff before making her way through the arrivals area.
Surrounded by FIFA officials and airport personnel, she briefly acknowledged reporters before continuing her journey. She then headed toward a long-awaited reunion with her son before Sunday’s match against Uruguay.
Speaking shortly after her arrival, Evora expressed her support for the Cabo Verde captain.
“I want to wish him good luck and a good match,” she said.
It was not immediately clear whether she would make the five-hour trip to Tampa right away, where the team has been based ahead of Sunday’s encounter, or wait until matchday to reunite with her son.
Vozinha has become one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 40-year-old produced a string of outstanding saves during Cabo Verde’s historic goalless draw against Spain, helping his country secure its first-ever World Cup point in its tournament debut.
However, the story gained even greater attention after the final whistle. Overcome with emotion, Vozinha broke down in tears while speaking about his family’s sacrifices. He revealed that his grandparents, who helped raise him, had passed away and that his mother had been unable to travel to the United States to witness the biggest moment of his career.
Those heartfelt comments quickly spread across social media and sparked an outpouring of support from football fans around the world. As a result, efforts to help bring his mother to the tournament gathered momentum.
Now, with Evora finally in the United States, one of the World Cup’s most touching stories is set for a memorable new chapter. As Cabo Verde prepare for a historic showdown with Uruguay, Vozinha will have the support of his mother in person for the first time on football’s biggest stage.
