Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinya's mother was unable to attend her son's World Cup opening against Spain due to US visa denial. US Representative Hakeem Jeffries announced he would request assistance from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Jeffries stated that Vozinya delivered a historic performance despite his mother's absence. He pledged to help secure a visa for her to attend Cape Verde's next match against Uruguay on 22 June, stating that no parent should miss their child's World Cup moment.
The incident highlights administrative challenges faced by families attending the World Cup without established US entry history. Vozinya's standout performance attracted sufficient international attention to prompt congressional intervention on behalf of his mother's attendance at the tournament.