The World Cup is currently taking place in North America (Photo Credit: Sami Abdullah).
Several African countries have become the darlings of the 2026 World Cup, including Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast and Ghana.
But the tiny island of Cape Verde, making its first-ever World Cup appearance, shocked the soccer world by battling powerhouse Spain to a tie, thanks to its 40-year-old goalie, Josimar “Vozinha” Jose Evora Dias.
The Associated Press reported, “Vozinha recorded seven saves on Monday, holding Spain’s star-studded lineup to a shocking 0-0 draw. The veteran keeper was everywhere as the Spanish team and its fans became increasingly frustrated, despite dominating possession and unleashing 27 shots. Not even the second-half entrance of young superstar Lamine Yamal could crack the code to get past Vozinha and the Cape Verde defense.
“As the final whistle blew, Vozinha hunched over near his net and cried before being embraced by his teammates. Cape Verde, in its first-ever World Cup match, had gotten a point against Spain, the 2010 champion and one of the tournament favorites this year.”
Despite the good vibes, the seasoned goalie, nicknamed “Vozinha,” made headlines when he revealed that his mother would not be able to see him play in person because of the complexities and costs of obtaining a United States visa.
Furthermore, his grandparents, who raised him, died a few years ago.
The Associated Press reported, “Cape Verde is among 50 countries whose citizens face bonds of up to $15,000 to secure a U.S. visa, part of President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on travelers from countries that officials said had high rates of visa overstays. The Trump administration last month suspended the requirement for ticket-holders from Cape Verde and four other World Cup nations, but critics said it was too late for many fans.”
Nevertheless, his performance against Spain has catapulted him to fame, as his Instagram followers went from 50,000 to over eight million.
And the heart-wrenching story of his mother may have reached the right people because she may find a way to get to America to see Dias play in the country’s first World Cup, after all.
His mother told the BBC that arrangements have been made for her to see her son in Miami.
“I am very happy,” said Ana Candida Evora.
Vozinha joined the Cape Verde national team in 2012 and thought about retiring in the past.
But Vozinha “continued because of his dream.”
He said, “I work all my life for this, for this moment, for this dream. A lot of generations in the past (dreamed of) this day but they did not achieve. And now the dream comes true.”
Dreams came true for the Democratic Republic of the Congo too on Wednesday as they battled powerhouse Portugal, and their star Cristiano Ronaldo, to a 1-1 draw in Houston.
The D.R. Congo fans danced, sang, cheered and trolled in and outside of Houston Stadium (formerly known as NRG Stadium).
Their fans also partied at Houston’s FIFA Fan Zone and other events throughout the city, with joy and pride draped over their faces, especially after D.R. Congo scored their first-ever World Cup goal right before halftime against the heavily-favored Portugal.
It was the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.
In 1974, Zaire made history by becoming the first Sub-Saharan African nation to make it to the World Cup tournament.
Even before the tournament began, members of DR Congo’s Leopards soccer team made noise throughout Houston because of their black suits, leopard sashes, leopard brooches and leopard bags.
Women from throughout the “Bayou City” discussed on social media which hotel the DR Congo team was staying in so that they could visit them and wish them good luck.
But the fashion and style were not just limited to the Congolese soccer stars.
That swagger extended to many of the Congolese fans as well.
Eddie Maisonet of the Houston Chronicle reported, “(Art) Kanjan, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrived at Houston Stadium in an outfit more suited to a Saturday brunch than a World Cup match. Wearing a striped Gucci shirt and trouser shorts, along with Prada sunglasses and a silk scarf loosely knotted around his neck, Kanjan was spiffy and spirited.
“Kanjan’s crew—all adorned in blends of Congolese soccer paraphernalia like hats, jerseys, flags and high-end fashion brands like Aime Leon Dore, Hermes, Chanel and Louis Vuitton—kept singing a chant in French that needed deciphering.”
Kanjan explained, “Cristiano is going to s**t himself. He’s going to mess up his day. The score will be Congo 3, Portugal 0.”
While those predictions came up hollow, the day still ended well for the Congolese fans, while upsetting many of the Portuguese fans.
On Wednesday night, Ghana defeated Panama 1-0.
Despite the win for the Ghanaians, many soccer fans criticized the quality of play and the hydration breaks, which have become a point of contention around the world during the 2026 World Cup.
Amy Lawrence, Jacob Whitehead and Julian McKenzie of The Athletic reported, “Ghana’s finishing was woeful at BMO Field and it took a chance from three yards out in front of an open goal in the 95th minute of the game for them to find a way past Panama. Caleb Yirenkyi just managed it when the ball looped off his right foot and into the back of the net. It was the latest winning goal at this World Cup so far.”
