Haiti-based player Pierre expected to join World Cup camp despite U.S. travel ban, federation says

NEW YORK — Haiti defensive midfielder Woodensky Pierre could soon join the national soccer team’s training camp in Florida after delays linked to U.S. travel restrictions on Haitian nationals, according to the Haitian Football Federation (FHF). 

Federation spokesperson Thecieux Jeanty told The Haitian Times Wednesday that officials expect Pierre’s visa process to be finalized shortly after securing an official passport for the player.

“The process is underway and could be completed at any moment,” Jeanty said during a WhatsApp call. “The travel ban affected the process, but we resolved it with the official passport.”

Pierre, 21, is the only Haiti-based player named to Haiti’s 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The reigning Haitian Soccer League MVP helped Violette Athletic Club win back-to-back league titles. 

The team began preparations May 26 in Port St. Lucie, Florida, but Pierre has missed the opening sessions while awaiting clearance to travel.

The United States imposed sweeping visa restrictions on Haitian nationals in June 2025, citing concerns that included visa overstay rates and gang-fueled security issues, according to the White House. Athletes competing in major international events are exempt from the restrictions, though the federation said additional administrative steps were required in Pierre’s case, such as an official passport.

An official passport is typically issued to government employees or individuals traveling on behalf of the state for official purposes. 

Haiti is among 19 countries banned from all immigrant and non-immigrant U.S. visas. Beyond players, the restrictions have also complicated travel plans for officials, relatives and supporters hoping to attend the tournament in person. 

Visas for nearly a dozen officials with the Haitian soccer federation have yet to come through as the Trump administration’s restrictions continue to disrupt World Cup plans for many.

Meanwhile, Pierre continues to train at Parc Sainte-Thérèse in Pétion-Ville, an upscale area of Southeast Port-au-Prince, as he awaits his visa.

The World Cup begins June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Haiti will face Brazil, Morocco and Scotland in the group stage. 

Fans hopeful but cautious 

News that Pierre’s visa process is advancing brought cautious optimism among Haitian soccer supporters, many of whom remain skeptical until the midfielder arrives in camp.

“It’s good news, but the process hasn’t been completed,” said James Louis-Charles, founder of the Pétion-Ville youth club F.C. Juvenat. “We won’t be happy until we see him in Florida.”

Louis-Charles, who lives in Manhattan, said Pierre’s delayed arrival could affect his preparation and playing time ahead of the tournament.

Haiti is scheduled to play friendlies against New Zealand on June 2 in Fort Lauderdale and Peru on June 5 in Miami before continuing preparations June 8 at Stockton University in New Jersey. Les Grenadiers open their World Cup campaign against Scotland on June 13 in the Boston area.

Pierre’s situation has also revived broader concerns about how visa and travel restrictions continue to affect Haitian athletes.

In March, six players from the Jamaica-based Mount Pleasant Football Academy were reportedly unable to travel to the United States for a Concacaf Champions Cup match against the Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy due to visa-related complications involving Haitian nationals.

As the lone locally based player on Haiti’s World Cup roster, Pierre has become a symbol of the challenges Haitian athletes face pursuing opportunities abroad.

“Haitians have dreams too; they have to be able to realize their dreams,” Louis-Charles said. “Woodensky has to be there [at the World Cup].”

The post Haiti-based player Pierre expected to join World Cup camp despite U.S. travel ban, federation says appeared first on The Haitian Times.