World Cup 2026: Visa Worries Trip Up Players at the Last Minute

The player awaiting his visa is defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre, who currently plays for Violette AC in the capital Port-au-Prince and is the only squad member still playing domestically. Meanwhile, the remaining 25 Haiti players all ply their trade abroad, in leagues across England, France, Portugal, Canada, and the United States.

Haitian Football Federation spokesperson Thecieux Jeanty stated that Pierre's visa application is still underway with support from the Haitian government. He stressed that this is not just a routine procedural matter, but concerns an athlete representing the country at a major international tournament.

Pierre is not alone; nearly a dozen Haitian football officials are also awaiting visas, amid the Trump administration's expansion of travel restrictions, including those on Haiti. According to Jeanty, Pierre's inclusion in the squad carries great symbolic weight, as approximately 70% of the capital Port-au-Prince is currently under the control of violent gangs.

Jeanty believes Pierre's presence is proof that Haiti still endures and that football still has a place amid the severe security and social crisis. He also expressed hope that the World Cup will provide an opportunity for this player to introduce himself to the world and seek a contract abroad.

With just about two weeks left until the tournament kicks off on June 11, most Haiti players have already gathered for training in Florida. Haiti is scheduled to play a friendly against New Zealand on June 2, followed by Peru on June 5, before their first official match against Scotland on June 13 at Foxborough, Massachusetts.