Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha welcomed as hero in Chile after historic World Cup

Cape Verde’s veteran goalkeeper, João “Vozinha” Correia, was greeted by a cheering crowd at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport on Tuesday, marking the first hero’s welcome the nation has received abroad after its historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 38‑year‑old, who captained the team throughout the tournament, arrived in Chile following Cape Verde’s surprising run to the round of 16, where the Atlantic island nation became the first debutant to advance past the group stage. Chilean officials, members of the Cape Verdean diaspora, and local football fans gathered to present a banner, a traditional “cachapa” feast, and a commemorative plaque honoring the squad’s achievement.

The reception underscores the growing profile of Cape Verdean football and highlights the broader impact of the team’s performance on the country’s sporting infrastructure. Minister of Sports, Maria Lopes, praised Vozinha’s leadership, noting that his experience helped the squad navigate a challenging group that included Brazil, Japan and Poland. As the team prepares for a post‑World Cup tour across South America, the warm welcome in Chile is expected to boost morale and reinforce the nation’s ambition to build on its inaugural World Cup success and aim for future qualifications.