Cape Verde goalkeeper's mom sees son play in World Cup

• Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha starred and drew huge fan attention.
• His mother traveled abroad for the first time to watch him play.

The ultimate underdog story of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to captivate global audiences.

Minnows Cape Verde secured a monumental and hard-fought 2-2 draw against former world champions Uruguay in Miami, fueled by another heroic performance from veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and an emotional family reunion in the stands.

Having already stunned the footballing world by holding powerhouse Spain to a draw in their opening match, the Blue Sharks proved their resilience once more.

The result keeps Cape Verde’s dream of reaching the knockout stages alive, sending their passionate diaspora into raptures.

Mother's first journey abroad

For one fan in the crowd, the stakes could not have been higher. Vozinha’s mother, Ana Candida Evora, was watching her son live at a World Cup for the first time. Incredibly, she had arrived in the United States just two days prior, marking the first time she had ever possessed a passport or left the island nation.

"It was so emotional. My heart was in my mouth," Ana Candida told FIFA. "I don't really have the words to describe it. He has been through so much... I am proud of Cape Verde. Our mantra is to stand together, literally hand in hand, and go all the way."

Diaspora unity 

Though outnumbered by a massive contingent of Uruguayan fans, the Cape Verdean diaspora—many traveling from robust communities in states like Rhode Island—made their voices heard.

"Qualifying for the World Cup is already a joy that cannot be described," said Claudio, a 49-year-old fan who also attended the opener in Atlanta. "Drawing with Spain and scoring against Uruguay are like victories for us."

Cape Verde defender Pico Lopes expressed immense gratitude for the traveling support, noting, "They really are our 12th man. The motivation we feel from showing we can compete on the biggest stage is massive."

Road to Houston

With two points on the board, Cape Verde currently sits in third place in Group H, trailing Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay by just a single goal on tiebreakers.

The Blue Sharks now control their own destiny as they pack their bags for Houston, where they will face Saudi Arabia in a decisive third group-stage match aiming to secure a historic spot in the Round of 32.