Overview:
Haitian defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre’s journey to america for World Cup preparations has been delayed by U.S. journey restrictions. However the Haitian Soccer Federation mentioned his visa course of may very well be accomplished quickly after acquiring an official passport.
NEW YORK — Haiti defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre may quickly be part of the nationwide soccer staff’s coaching camp in Florida after delays linked to U.S. travel restrictions on Haitian nationals, in line with the Haitian Soccer Federation (FHF).
Federation spokesperson Thecieux Jeanty informed 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 may very well be accomplished at any second,” Jeanty mentioned 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 staff started preparations Could 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 considerations that included visa overstay charges and gang-fueled safety points, in line with the White Home. Athletes competing in main worldwide occasions are exempt from the restrictions, although the federation mentioned extra administrative steps had been required in Pierre’s case, reminiscent of an official passport.
An official passport is usually issued to authorities workers or people touring on behalf of the state for official functions.
“Haitians have desires too; they’ve to have the ability to notice their desires. Woodenksy must 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 sophisticated journey plans for officers, family members and supporters hoping to attend the event in individual.
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 america, 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,” mentioned James Louis-Charles, founding father of the Pétion-Ville youth membership F.C. Juvenat. “We received’t be pleased till we see him in Florida.”
Louis-Charles, who lives in Manhattan, mentioned Pierre’s delayed arrival may have an effect on his preparation and enjoying time forward of the event.
Haiti is scheduled to play friendlies towards 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 towards Scotland on June 13 within the Boston space.
Pierre’s state of affairs has additionally revived broader considerations 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 had been reportedly unable to travel to america for a Concacaf Champions Cup match towards the Main League Soccer membership LA Galaxy because of visa-related problems involving Haitian nationals.
Because the lone domestically based mostly participant on Haiti’s World Cup roster, Pierre has grow to be an emblem of the challenges Haitian athletes face pursuing alternatives overseas.
“Haitians have desires too; they’ve to have the ability to notice their desires,” Louis-Charles mentioned. “Woodensky must be there [at the World Cup].”