The mother of goalkeeper legend Vouzinha of Cape Verde will be in the stands when he takes to the pitch in his next FIFA World Cup match on Sunday, after US officials moved to ensure she received a visa in time to attend the game against Uruguay in Miami.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, one of the tournament's standout stars, produced a stunning performance to frustrate a powerful Spanish attack in Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup match last Monday, keeping the European champions out in a goalless draw in Group H.
But a tearful Vouzinha revealed that his mother, Ana Cândida Évora, had not been present at the Atlanta match, citing a visa problem.
US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement on Wednesday: "No mother should miss the chance to watch her son make history."
He added: "I spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in its power to ensure his mother could attend Cape Verde's next match."
He continued: "It is my honour to announce that Vouzinha's mother will be able to receive a visa in time to attend their match this coming Sunday."
A US State Department official said in a statement obtained by Reuters: "We can confirm that our visa team in Praia is in close contact with her and providing all necessary services."
Cape Verde was among dozens of countries whose citizens were required to post financial bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the United States under President Donald Trump's strict immigration crackdown.
That requirement was subsequently waived for holders of World Cup tickets, but Évora told Reuters she had already ruled out attempting the trip, citing the prohibitive costs.
Jeffries added: "All fees have been waived in line with official policy. Arrangements are currently being made for the mother to travel to Miami to be reunited with her son."