✓ verbatim from the press ? no verbatim passage
The mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha may be able to attend her son's next match on Sunday — if U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio grants a request made publicly on Tuesday (17) by Democratic congressman Hakeem Jeffries. Ana Candida Evora could not travel to the World Cup because Cape Verdean citizens must post bonds of up to $15,000 to obtain entry visas to the United States, under regulations introduced by the Trump administration in January 2026. "No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history," Jeffries wrote on social media, asking Rubio to "do everything in his power to ensure that she can attend [the] next match on Sunday." ?
Press quotes (2)
"No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history," House of Representatives Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said on social media. "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."
"In January, Cape Verde was included on a list of dozens of countries whose citizens needed to post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the US, under regulations introduced by Donald Trump's administration and intended to curb visa overstays"
The request came one day after Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Spain in the African nation's World Cup debut. Vozinha was the standout performer in Monday's (16) match, and told reporters afterward that his mother was not present "because of a visa problem, and the money we would have to pay for it. We couldn't do it in time," according to press reports. The goalkeeper also mentioned that he grew up with his grandparents, who passed away a few years ago and could not be present. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Vozinha foi o ídolo da partida entre Cabo Verde e Espanha que aconteceu nesta segunda (15) após segurar o placar em 0 a 0 contra uma das seleções favoritas da Copa. Depois do jogo, estreia de Cabo Verde em Copas do Mundo, ele deu uma entrevista emocionado na zona mista e disse que sua mãe, Ana Candida Evora, não estava presente por problemas de visto."
"Eu chorei após o jogo porque cresci com os meus avós quando era criança, e eles não puderam estar ali. Eles faleceram há alguns anos. A minha mãe também não pôde estar aqui por causa de um problema de visto, e o dinheiro que teríamos de pagar por isso. Não conseguimos fazer isso a tempo"
A State Department official confirmed to the press that there is no record of Ana Candida Evora applying for a visa, but that players' relatives are eligible for visa bond waivers and that Washington was "actively reaching out to this player's family to assist with visa services." Cape Verde was included in January on a list of dozens of countries whose citizens need to post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the U.S., under regulations introduced by the Trump government with the stated aim of curbing visa overstays. ?
Press quotes (1)
"A State Department official said there was no record of Evora applying for a visa but that players' relatives were eligible for visa bond waivers. The official said Washington was "actively reaching out to this player's family to assist with visa services"."
As of publication, Marco Rubio had not responded to Jeffries' request, according to Diário do Centro do Mundo. Cape Verde's next match is scheduled for Sunday, with the exact time not yet confirmed at time of publication. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Até a atualização da informação, não havia confirmação de resposta de Marco Rubio nem de concessão do visto à mãe de Vozinha. O pedido público de Jeffries ficou concentrado na tentativa de permitir que ela acompanhe o filho durante a Copa."
Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, made a public appeal on June 17, 2026, for Marco Rubio to grant a visa to Vozinha's mother
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
The U.S. State Department said it was "actively reaching out" to Vozinha's family to assist with visa services
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Did Marco Rubio respond to Hakeem Jeffries' request?
Why it's still unknown: As of June 17, 2026, there was no public record of a response from the Secretary of State to the Democratic congressman's appeal.
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Did Ana Candida Evora formally apply for a visa before the World Cup?
Why it's still unknown: A State Department official told the press there is no record of a visa application, but it is unclear whether she attempted to apply and could not complete the process, or never initiated the request.
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What is the processing time for the visa bond waiver for players' relatives?
Why it's still unknown: The State Department confirmed that players' relatives are eligible for waiver of the bond of up to $15,000, but outlets did not report how long it takes to process this type of request — relevant information given that the next match is Sunday.