Vozinha’s Mother Fulfills Dream at World Cup: Ana Cândida Évora Cheers Son in Miami
From tears to joy: Vozinha’s mother arrives in Miami to watch her 40-year-old son play at the World Cup after overcoming huge visa obstacles. A beautiful family story.
In one of the most touching stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ana Cândida Évora, mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” José Évora Dias, finally watched her son play on football’s biggest stage after overcoming significant visa and financial hurdles.
Évora arrived in Miami on Friday following a grueling 24+ hour journey from Cape Verde. She was warmly welcomed by FIFA officials and was present in the stands — draped in a Cape Verde flag, wearing a shirt with her son’s name and number — for the Blue Sharks’ Group H clash against Uruguay on Sunday.
Cape Verde earned a thrilling 2-2 draw, with goals from Kevin Pina and Hélio Varela. The result followed their historic opening 0-0 draw against Spain, where the 40-year-old Vozinha starred with multiple crucial saves but was left emotional afterward, revealing his mother could not attend due to visa costs and related challenges.
“I want to thank all the fans, everyone who helped in the process, for the support you gave to the team, especially to Cabo Verde,” Évora said in a FIFA-distributed video message. She urged the team with messages of faith and courage.
The reunion brought global attention and widespread praise. Efforts by the U.S. State Department, FIFA, U.S. lawmakers, and Cape Verde’s football federation helped expedite the visa, waiving fees and clearing logistical barriers that had initially kept her home.
Vozinha, a veteran who plays in Portugal’s second tier, has become one of the tournament’s breakout stars. His performances have inspired fans worldwide, turning the modest island nation’s debut into a feel-good narrative of resilience and family.
For Évora and her son, the moment transcended sport. After years of support from the sidelines back home, she was finally there to witness his World Cup journey in person, a memory they and Cape Verde fans will cherish forever.
Cape Verde continues its remarkable underdog run in Group H as one of the feel-good teams of the 2026 tournament.