Overview:
Haitian defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre’s journey to the US for World Cup preparations has been delayed by U.S. journey restrictions. However the Haitian Soccer Federation stated his visa course of could possibly be accomplished quickly after acquiring an official passport.
NEW YORK — Haiti defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre might quickly be a part of the nationwide soccer crew’s coaching camp in Florida after delays linked to U.S. travel restrictions on Haitian nationals, in response to the Haitian Soccer Federation (FHF).
Federation spokesperson Thecieux Jeanty instructed The Haitian Occasions Wednesday that officers count on Pierre’s visa course of to be finalized shortly after securing an official passport for the participant.
“The method is underway and could possibly be accomplished at any second,” Jeanty stated throughout a WhatsApp name. “The journey ban affected the method, however we resolved it with the official passport.”
Pierre, 21, is the one Haiti-based participant named to Haiti’s 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The reigning Haitian Soccer League MVP helped Violette Athletic Membership win back-to-back league titles.
The crew started preparations Might 26 in Port St. Lucie, Florida, however Pierre has missed the opening periods whereas awaiting clearance to journey.
America imposed sweeping visa restrictions on Haitian nationals in June 2025, citing issues that included visa overstay charges and gang-fueled safety points, in response to the White Home. Athletes competing in main worldwide occasions are exempt from the restrictions, although the federation stated extra administrative steps have been required in Pierre’s case, similar to an official passport.
An official passport is often issued to authorities workers or people touring on behalf of the state for official functions.
“Haitians have goals too; they’ve to have the ability to notice their goals. Woodenksy needs to be there [at the World Cup.]”
James Louis-Charles, proprietor of youth membership F.C. Juvenat
Haiti is amongst 19 international locations banned from all immigrant and non-immigrant U.S. visas. Past gamers, the restrictions have additionally difficult journey plans for officers, kinfolk and supporters hoping to attend the match in particular person.
Visas for almost a dozen officers with the Haitian soccer federation have but to return by way of because the Trump administration’s restrictions proceed to disrupt World Cup plans for a lot of.
In the meantime, Pierre continues to coach at Parc Sainte-Thérèse in Pétion-Ville, an upscale space of Southeast Port-au-Prince, as he awaits his visa.
The World Cup begins June 11 in the US, Mexico and Canada. Haiti will face Brazil, Morocco and Scotland within the group stage.
Followers hopeful however cautious
Information that Pierre’s visa course of is advancing introduced cautious optimism amongst Haitian soccer supporters, lots of whom stay skeptical till the midfielder arrives in camp.
“It’s excellent news, however the course of hasn’t been accomplished,” stated James Louis-Charles, founding father of the Pétion-Ville youth membership F.C. Juvenat. “We received’t be glad till we see him in Florida.”
Louis-Charles, who lives in Manhattan, stated Pierre’s delayed arrival might have an effect on his preparation and taking part in time forward of the match.
Haiti is scheduled to play friendlies in opposition to New Zealand on June 2 in Fort Lauderdale and Peru on June 5 in Miami earlier than persevering with preparations June 8 at Stockton College in New Jersey. Les Grenadiers open their World Cup marketing campaign in opposition to Scotland on June 13 within the Boston space.
Pierre’s scenario has additionally revived broader issues about how visa and journey restrictions proceed to have an effect on Haitian athletes.
In March, six gamers from the Jamaica-based Mount Nice Soccer Academy have been reportedly unable to travel to the US for a Concacaf Champions Cup match in opposition to the Main League Soccer membership LA Galaxy attributable to visa-related problems involving Haitian nationals.
Because the lone domestically based mostly participant on Haiti’s World Cup roster, Pierre has develop into a logo of the challenges Haitian athletes face pursuing alternatives overseas.
“Haitians have goals too; they’ve to have the ability to notice their goals,” Louis-Charles stated. “Woodensky needs to be there [at the World Cup].”