Visa problems have become one of the uncomfortable themes of the 2026 World Cup.
Fans have been affected, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey had his visa denied in Canada , and Somali referee Omar Artan was unable to take part after a US entry issue.
Now Cape Verde 's newest World Cup hero, goalkeeper Vozinha , has revealed that his family was also touched by the situation.
Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Vozinha was emotional after being named man of the match in Cape Verde's 0-0 draw against Spain .
"I cried after the game because I grew up with my grandparents when I was a kid, and they could not be there. They passed away a few years ago," he said (via The Athletic).
"My mom could not be here either for a VISA issue, and the money we had to pay for it. We did not manage to do this in time."
Vozinha did not make clear whether the issue meant a refusal or another kind of delay, cost or processing problem.
Either way, it made him another figure at this World Cup affected by unfortunate visa complications.
Vozinha's performance against Spain has given him fresh visibility. He had around 50,000 Instagram followers before the match, and that number reached 1.6 million after the final whistle.
For a free-agent goalkeeper, the World Cup is the perfect shop window.
The 40-year-old has already shown he can still decide games on the biggest stage, and should he keep that level, a good offer may certainly come for him.
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