Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar ‘Vozinha’ Dias is set for an emotional reunion with his mother after United States authorities expedited arrangements to ensure she can attend the Blue Sharks’ next FIFA World Cup 2026 match, turning one of the tournament’s most touching stories into a heartwarming reality.The development was announced by US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who revealed that efforts involving the US State Department, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA had paved the way for Vozinha’s mother to travel to the United States in time for Sunday’s clash against Uruguay in Miami. Sharing the news on X, Jeffries wrote: “Star Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha and his mother will be reunited in Miami in time for the match on Sunday. Thank you to Secretary Rubio, US State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde and FIFA for working together to make this happen.”Jeffries later explained that he had intervened after learning about the emotional comments made by the veteran goalkeeper following Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut.“That joy was tempered a bit when Vozinha tearfully revealed that his own mother was unable to watch his iconic performance in person due to visa complications. No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,” Jeffries said. “Upon learning of this development, I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cabo Verde’s next match.”He added that all fees had been waived and travel arrangements were being finalised for the reunion.
Heroics against Spain captured the world’s imagination
The announcement came just two days after the 40-year-old emerged as the hero of Cape Verde’s remarkable 0-0 draw against Spain in Atlanta, one of the biggest shocks of the opening round.The World Cup debutants frustrated the reigning European champions despite Spain unleashing 27 shots, equalling their highest shot count in a World Cup match without scoring.Vozinha delivered a masterclass between the posts, making seven saves and earning the Player of the Match award after denying Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Mikel Merino and Marc Cucurella.
‘I cried after the game’
Behind the celebrations, however, lay a deeply personal story.Speaking after the historic result, an emotional Vozinha revealed that his mother had been unable to attend because of visa complications and financial hurdles.“I cried after the game because I grew up with my grandparents when I was a kid, and they could not be there. They passed away a few years ago. My mum could not be here either due to a visa issue and the money we had to pay for it. We did not manage to do this in time,” he said.The goalkeeper also dedicated the result to supporters back home.“This is a message of thank you to everybody in Cape Verde. We are very happy after this; this group of players have worked a lot to live this moment. It’s a day to be proud and satisfied,” he said. One of the smallest nations ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde have already captured the imagination of football fans worldwide with their underdog spirit.Now, as the Blue Sharks prepare to face Uruguay in a crucial Group H encounter, Vozinha will have something even more special to look forward to.
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