Vozinha will be reunited with his mother in Miami before the team’s Group H clash with Uruguay on Sunday. The keeper, who earned player‑of‑the‑match honors in the 0‑0 draw with Spain, said his mum missed the tournament because the US visa cost was prohibitive. US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed the visa fee has been waived.

Jeffries announced on X that he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the State Department to secure a visa for the elder. A State Department official later said a team in Praia is coordinating with her and all fees, including the roughly $11,000 refundable deposit, have been dropped. The move mirrors an exemption granted to ticket‑holding fans earlier this year.

Vozinha, now with Portuguese second‑division side Chaves and holder of 91 caps, became the oldest player to appear in a nation’s debut World Cup match at 40 years, 12 days. His emotional reaction to missing his mother highlighted the personal stakes of the tournament. Cape Verde will face Uruguay on June 21, then Saudi Arabia on June 27.