Cape Verde goalkeeper Vosinha was a World Cup hero against Spain, but his mother was unable to attend the match due to visa issues preventing her from entering the United States.
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 15: Cape Verde’s Bosinha No. 1 applauds fans after a 0-0 draw between Spain and Cape Verde in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendez/Getty Images)
Cape Verde goalkeeper Bosinha claimed visa issues in the US prevented his mother from witnessing his World Cup heroics in person.
At Atalanta, the shot-stopper was named Player of the Match as the African nation secured a most unlikely draw against the European champions. Vosinha made seven saves during the scoreless draw.
Bosinha, 40, made an emotional full-time appearance on the pitch at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Cape Verde players and staff celebrated the draw like a victory, but Vosinha’s mother was unable to be with him due to problems getting into the United States.
The goalkeeper told reporters: “This is a message of thanks to everyone at Capverde. We are very happy that this game is over. This group of players has worked hard to live this moment. It’s a proud and satisfying day.”
“I cried after the game because as a child I grew up with my grandparents and they couldn’t come. My grandparents passed away a few years ago. My mother couldn’t come here either because of the visas and the money we had to pay for it. We couldn’t do this in time.”
The North American World Cup has been marred by a number of issues, one of which was the issue of visas for individuals from certain countries. The most notable of these is Iran, which has had to change its base from the United States to Mexico.
Four members of Iran’s World Cup delegation recently won an appeal against the denial of their entry visa applications last week, but 11 members of the Iranian delegation will not be allowed to travel to the United States if the team plays there. Iran last week accused the United States of denying visas to “essential” members of the team’s behind-the-scenes staff.
Cape Verde goalkeeper named Player of the Match
Iran will play New Zealand in their opening match in Los Angeles early Tuesday morning. They return to the city to play Belgium on June 21st, then play Egypt in Seattle on June 26th. Their attempt to move the match outside the United States was rejected by FIFA, who stuck to the original schedule.
The country’s World Cup group stage ticket allocation for supporters was canceled by US authorities last week, but soccer’s governing body insisted it was working to “maximize opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches”.
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