Vozinha, from Cape Verde, says problems with American visas prevented his mother from witnessing history
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha said visa problems in the US prevented his mother from attending his historic World Cup debut, casting a shadow over one of the most memorable moments of his career.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who was named player of the match after helping Cape Verde secure a 0-0 draw against Spain on Monday, revealed after the game that family members were unable to travel to the United States for the tournament.
“I cried after the game because I grew up with my grandparents when I was little and they couldn’t be there,” Vozinha told reporters, as quoted by The Athletic.
“My mom couldn’t even be here because of the visa and the money we had to pay for it. We didn’t make it.”
His comments added a personal dimension to concerns surrounding visa and entry issues for the 2026 World Cup.
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VISA QUESTIONS
The United States, which co-hosts the tournament with Canada and Mexico, has faced scrutiny over visa delays, travel restrictions and entry issues affecting participants and visitors associated with the competition.
Iran is among the most affected countries. Members of Iran’s soccer federation have reportedly been denied entry to the United States, while the national team has moved its training base from Arizona to Tijuana due to concerns about travel arrangements.
Questions have also been raised following reports that journalists from Iran and several African countries have encountered visa problems. The United States has also imposed bail requirements for some countries with high visa overstay rates and maintains travel restrictions on nationals of several countries that have qualified for the World Cup.
This week, Somali FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States despite having a valid visa, according to multiple reports.
FIFA’S ANSWER
The difficulties have raised questions about the organization of the expanded 48-team tournament, the biggest World Cup in history.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino this week defended the governing body’s position when asked about visa concerns, saying soccer’s world governing body could not dictate immigration decisions to host countries.
“We don’t control everything,” Infantino said earlier.
“Maybe it’s good to take it easy, relax.”
Infantino’s comments came as debate continued about the challenges facing supporters, journalists and officials seeking access to matches across the United States.
A BITTERSWEET MOMENT
For Voicethe issue was less about politics than personal sacrifice.
The veteran goalkeeper became the second-oldest player to make his World Cup debut and made seven saves to frustrate Spain in Atlanta in one of the best performances of the tournament’s opening week.
After years spent playing across Cape Verde and Europe and only turning professional at the age of 25, the World Cup represented the pinnacle of a long and unconventional career.
However, this moment was also marked by the absence of close family members who were unable to make the trip.
While Cape Verde celebrated a famous result against one of football’s traditional powerhouses, Vozinha was left to reflect on the milestone achieved without the people who helped him achieve it.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
16 Jun 2026 02:20 IST