President Donald Trump’s administration has announced that supporters from Haiti will not be allowed to enter the United States next summer following the nation’s qualification for the World Cup. Haiti is among the 42 nations that have secured their spots in the tournament set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The US will uphold a travel ban signed by Trump in June, which includes restrictions on individuals from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and others. Despite this, exceptions will be made for players, their families, coaches, and support staff to participate in major sporting events. However, regular supporters will not have the opportunity to witness their country’s participation in the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1974.
Trump has previously made derogatory remarks about Haiti, El Salvador, and African nations during discussions on immigration. The State Department has clarified that fans can still apply for visas and schedule interviews to attend matches, but they may face ineligibility for visa issuance or entry into the US.
There is a possibility of exemptions for applicants whose travel aligns with the US national interest, although these exceptions are expected to be rare. Haiti has faced challenges with hosting games due to internal issues such as gang violence, leading to matches being played in Curacao, 500 miles away from home.
During a meeting with the World Cup Task Force at the White House, Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino discussed the economic opportunities the tournament brings. Trump inquired about the financial impact, expressing surprise at the projected $30 billion revenue and jokingly asking about the country’s share.
The State Department emphasized that visa applications are still open for fans despite the restrictions. However, the situation remains uncertain for supporters hoping to witness the historic World Cup appearance of Haiti.