“HE ALMOST QUIT FOOTBALL. NOW HE’S LIVING A WORLD CUP FAIRYTALE.” Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was close to giving up on the game after being repeatedly overlooked. Fast forward to today, and he’s become a World Cup hero after his stunning performance against Spain. But the most emotional moment came afterward, when he revealed his mother wasn’t there to see it because of visa issues. Now, that heartbreaking story is getting a remarkable ending.

CAPE VERDE keeper Vozinha will be reunited with his mother on Friday – after the US Government granted her a visa to travel to the World Cup.

Vozinha – real name Josimar Diaz – had the game of his life as he kept Spain at bay in his country’s shock 0-0 draw on Monday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group H - Spain v Cape Verde
Vozinha is set for an emotional reunion with his family at the World CupCredit: Reuters
Interview in Sao Vicente with the mother of Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha
His mother, second from right, was initially unable to watch him at the tournament after troubles with her VisaCredit: Reuters

But he was in tears of disappointment after defying Spain in Atlanta as he revealed his mum, Ana Candida Evora, had not been able to afford the £12,000 bond to obtain a travel permit.

But US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has now intervened to push through the visa request – and waive the fee.

And it means she will be able to fly to Miami to see the Blue Sharks in action against Uruguay as they seek the win that would virtually guarantee their unlikely progress to the knock-out stage.

The U-turn was revealed by Democratic Representative Hakeem Jefferies, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, who said: “On the strength of an epic performance on Monday, the Cape Verde team shocked and inspired the World by holding Spain to a draw.

“Cape Verdeans in America and throughout the diaspora have been celebrating the underdog grit and resilience of the Blue Sharks.

“That joy was tempered when Vozinha tearfully revealed his own mother was unable to watch her son’s iconic performance in person due to visa complications.

“No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history.

“Upon learning of this development, I spoke with Marco Rubio and asked the state department to do everything in their power to ensure his mother can attend the next match.

How to watch the 2026 World Cup

THE 2026 World Cup is finally here – and you can get some incredible deals to watch all the action.

All 104 matches will be broadcast on Fox and FS1, and can be watched through a number of streaming services.

We have all the places to watch the USMNT and the rest of the world fight it out this summer.

“It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mum 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 and travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami.

“Thank you to Secretary Rubio, U.S. State Department officials, the government of Cape Verde and FIFA for working together to make this happen.”

It has been a tournament of miracles for the keeper, even beyond his heroics in the net against one of the tournament favourites.

He entered that match with 50,000 Instagram followers, but left the pitch with over a million more.

That number has since ballooned to almost 13million as fans continued to show their support for the surprise hero.