Josimar Fosinha: FIFA World Cup 2026: Tearful Cape Verdean hero Fosinha prepares for emotional reunion with his mother after visa breach | Football news
Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar “Fosinha” Dias is preparing for an emotional reunion with his mother after US authorities expedited arrangements to ensure she could attend the Blue Sharks’ next match at the 2026 World Cup, turning one of the tournament’s most poignant stories into a heart-warming reality.The development was announced by US House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who revealed that efforts involving the US State Department, the Cabo Verde government and FIFA cleared the way for Fusinha’s mother to travel to the US in time for Sunday’s match against Uruguay in Miami. Sharing the news on X, Jeffries wrote: “Cape Verde goalkeeper Fusinha and his mother will be reunited in Miami in time for Sunday’s game. “Thank you to Secretary Rubio, the US State Department officials, the government of Cabo Verde, and FIFA for working together to make this happen.”Jeffries later explained that he intervened after learning of the emotional comments made by the veteran goalkeeper after Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut.“That joy was tempered a little when Fosinha tearfully revealed that his mother was unable to watch his iconic performance in person due to visa complications,” Jeffries said. “No mother should miss the opportunity to see her child make history.” “When I learned of this development, I spoke with the Foreign Minister Marco Rubio He asked the State Department to do everything in its power to ensure that his mother attends the upcoming Cabo Verde match.He added that all fees have been waived and the final touches are being made on travel arrangements for the reunion.
The heroic actions against Spain captured the imagination of the world
The announcement came just two days after the 40-year-old emerged as the hero of Cape Verde’s impressive 0-0 draw with Spain in Atalanta, one of the biggest upsets of the opening round.The World Cup debutants frustrated the European champions despite Spain firing 27 shots, the highest number of shots in a World Cup match without scoring.Fusenha produced an impressive performance between the posts, making seven saves and earning the Man of the Match award after denying Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Mikel Merino and Marc Cucurella.
“I cried after the match”
But behind these celebrations lies a deeply personal story.Speaking after the historic result, an emotional Fosinha revealed that his mother was unable to attend due to visa complications and financial hurdles.“I cried after the match because I grew up with my grandparents when I was a kid, and they couldn’t be there. They passed away a few years ago. My mother couldn’t be here either because of the visa issue and the money we had to pay for it. We couldn’t do it in time,” he said.The goalkeeper also dedicated the result to the fans back home.“This is a message of thanks to everyone in Cape Verde. We are very happy afterwards; this group of players worked a lot to live this moment. “It is a day of pride and contentment,” he said. One of the smallest countries to ever qualify for the tournament Football World CupCape Verde have already captured the imagination of football fans around the world with their underdog spirit.Now, as the Blue Sharks prepare to take on Uruguay in a crucial Group H encounter, Vozinha will have something even more special to look forward to.
