Woodensky Pierre, the only member of Haiti's national soccer team living in the Caribbean nation, has been granted a US visa, allowing him to travel and compete in the upcoming World Cup, an official confirmed on Tuesday.
Thecieux Jeanty, spokesperson for Haiti's soccer federation, told the Associated Press that Pierre was scheduled to depart for Florida on Tuesday. Jeanty described the moment as one of profound relief and joy for the player, stating: 'It was a great moment for him, a moment of happiness.'
There had been fears that Pierre would miss the World Cup as the administration of US President Donald Trump continued to expand travel restrictions from countries including Haiti. However, he has now been given permission to travel to the US to play in this summer's tournament.
Pierre's teammates had already arrived in Florida last week to begin their World Cup preparations. This marks only the second time Haiti has qualified for the tournament, with their last appearance over half a century ago. While awaiting his visa, Pierre had been training with local players in an upscale district of Port-au-Prince.
Haiti's primary stadium in the capital was deemed too dangerous for use, forcing the team to host its 'home' World Cup qualifiers in Curaçao. Pierre is from Cite Soleil, a seaside slum that has endured violence and hunger for years and serves as a base for powerful gang leaders. The area has seen multiple massacres and gang rapes, with violence recently displacing more than 5,300 people, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration.
Haiti are set to play World Cup warm-up matches against New Zealand on Tuesday and Peru on Friday. Their World Cup campaign begins on June 13 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, against Scotland, followed by matches against Brazil on June 19 and Morocco on June 24.
