US waives visa fees for Cape Verde keeper’s mother News

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US waives visa fees for Cape Verde keeper’s mother

By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 18, 2026

The mother of Cape Verde star goalkeeper Vozinha will be in the United States to watch her son play his second World Cup game on Sunday after she was granted a visa free of charge, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced on Wednesday that all visa fees had been waived for the goalkeeper’s mother, allowing her to travel to the United States in time for Cape Verde’s next game against Uruguay.

Vozinha became one of the early sensations of the World Cup on Monday after making a series of key saves in Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw with Spain, one of the tournament favourites widely expected to overpower the island nation.

After the match, Vozinha revealed that his mother had been unable to secure a visa to travel to the United States to watch him play.

Cape Verde is among 50 countries whose citizens face visa bonds of up to $15,000, part of President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on travellers from countries with high rates of visa overstays, according to U.S. officials.

The Trump administration last month suspended the bond requirement for ticket holders from Cape Verde and four other World Cup nations, but critics argued that the measure came too late for many fans.

Following the goalkeeper’s revelation, Jeffries said he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything possible to ensure that Vozinha’s mother could attend Cape Verde’s next match.

On Wednesday, Jeffries confirmed that all fees had been waived and that travel arrangements were being made to reunite mother and son in Miami ahead of Sunday’s clash against Uruguay.

“It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mom will be able to secure a visa in time to attend their game this Sunday against Uruguay. All fees have been waived consistent with official policy,” Jeffries said.

“Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami.

“I thank Secretary Rubio, U.S. State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this possible.”

Vozinha made seven saves against Spain as Cape Verde marked its World Cup debut with a memorable performance.

According to AP, the State Department also said it had informed all players from World Cup countries affected by the $15,000 visa bond requirement that they and their families would be exempt from posting the bond.

AP further reported that the State Department believes Vozinha’s mother had not previously applied for a visa because she did not possess a valid Cape Verdean passport, but that she is now in the process of obtaining one.

Source Punch Ng

Posted June 18, 2026