US lawmaker urges Rubio to waive bond so Cape Verde hero Vozinha's mother can attend World Cup

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has formally urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to waive visa bond payments for Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s mother, after the 40-year-old was reduced to tears on the pitch following his Player of the Match performance in Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Spain at the Atlanta Stadium.

Vozinha kept out the reigning European champions — ranked among the world’s best — to earn the 67th-ranked nation a historic point. But the moment was bittersweet. His mother, Ana Candida Evora, was unable to travel from Cape Verde after the family could not afford the bond of up to $15,000 (£11,000) required to secure a US visa.

Cape Verde was among a number of countries whose citizens faced those steep bond requirements under the current US administration’s entry rules. Although the Trump administration subsequently announced it was dropping the requirement for World Cup ticket holders, the costs had already forced Evora to rule out the trip to Atlanta.

Jeffries, the minority leader of the United States House of Representatives, posted a direct appeal on social media: “No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history. I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to do everything in his power to ensure that she can attend [the] next match on Sunday.”

Speaking after the match, Vozinha explained the emotion behind his tears. “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here; they died a few years ago. They were everything for me, for my life. I also cried because my mum didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to [get it done] on time. I would like her to be here, but I’m also very happy.”

The goalkeeper, who only turned professional at 25 in 2012, reflected on the scale of the achievement. “I have worked my whole life for this moment. I’m 40 years old. I thought about leaving but I continued because of this dream. This is for everyone. I was named man of the match but this is for all of my teammates because without them nothing would be possible. I will continue to work for Cape Verde and for the people.”

The case has drawn fresh attention to the broader difficulties facing fans and families from certain nations attempting to enter the United States for the 2026 World Cup, with visa access and travel restrictions casting a shadow over what should be a celebration of the global game.