US steps in to help Cape Verde goalkeeper’s mother attend World Cup amid visa bond rules

The United States State Department says it is working to help arrange travel for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother so she can attend her son’s World Cup matches, an official confirmed on Tuesday.

Vozinha revealed after Cape Verde’s surprise draw with Spain on Monday that his mother was unable to attend the game due to visa-related costs, including a bond requirement he said was beyond her means.

“She didn’t manage to be here because of the visa … the money we have to pay for the visa,” he told reporters after the match. “We didn’t manage on time, and I would like her to be here.”

Cape Verde is among several countries whose citizens are subject to a US visa bond requirement of up to $15,000, introduced under Trump-era immigration measures targeting perceived visa overstays.

However, a State Department official said there was no record of a visa application for the player’s mother and stressed that family members of players are eligible for waivers.

“The US Department of State has no record of this individual applying for a visa. All relatives of players are eligible for visa bond waivers, and the Department is actively reaching out to this player’s family to assist with visa services,” the official said.

A source familiar with the matter added that Vozinha’s mother does not currently have a valid passport and is in the process of obtaining one.

According to State Department guidance, bond requirements are waived for World Cup participants and their immediate relatives, provided they meet standard visa criteria.

On the pitch, the 40-year-old goalkeeper, who plays in Portugal’s second division, produced a standout performance against Spain, making seven saves to help secure Cape Verde’s historic result in their tournament debut.

The nation of roughly 530,000 people erupted in celebration after holding the European champions, with Vozinha’s profile surging rapidly in the aftermath. His Instagram following reportedly jumped from about 50,000 to more than 9.7 million within days, boosted by global attention.

Cape Verde’s next World Cup fixture is scheduled for Sunday against Uruguay in Miami.