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It was finally a dream come true for Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha and his mother. After missing her son’s historic World Cup debut, in a heartwarming moment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ana Cândida Evora, mother of Vozinha, made it to the stands to watch her son represent their nation on the biggest stage.
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The 40-year-old Vozinha, a veteran shot-stopper for the island nation’s “Blue Sharks,” earned widespread acclaim after Cape Verde’s impressive 0-0 draw against Spain in their tournament debut, where he was named Player of the Match for a string of crucial saves. Yet his joy was tempered by his mother’s absence due to visa and financial hurdles faced by Cape Verdean citizens traveling to the U.S.
Watch: Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's mother fulfills emotional dream at World Cup
Social media campaigns, support from football fans worldwide, Cape Verde’s football federation, FIFA officials, and even intervention from U.S. authorities helped expedite a visa for Évora. Images from the stadium captured an emotional Évora, draped in Cape Verde colors and placing her hand over her heart, as she finally witnessed her son live. Vozinha had previously expressed deep emotion about wanting his mother present.
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