"Making the World Cup can have that kind of power for a small or troubled country. The Haitian flag will fly with those of some the world's most powerful nations. Haiti's citizens, however, will not be able to travel to the United States to cheer them on, a reality that stings for Haitians at home and in the diaspora. Haitians, like citizens from Senegal, Ivory Coast and Iran, face almost a complete travel ban under Trump Administration policy."
"As of Jan. 1, the Trump administration expanded its visa-issuance suspensions to nationals from 39 countries, citing national security and public safety concerns and saying the identified countries could not properly vet their citizens. Four of the countries on the banned list -- Haiti, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Iran -- have qualified for the World Cup, hosted this year by the U.S., Canada and Mexico."
The Haitian men's soccer team secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the nation's first appearance since 1974. The team reached the tournament without the ability to play home matches or train inside Haiti. The achievement has generated pride and a sense that determination and talent can triumph despite adversity. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, but most Haitian citizens cannot travel to the United States because of expanded Trump-era visa suspensions affecting nationals of 39 countries. Haiti, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Iran are among the affected nations. Presidential Proclamation 10998 allows visas for players, team officials and immediate family members, while other exceptions deemed in the U.S. national interest remain rare, and there is no indication of broader relief or FIFA intervention.
Read at ESPN.com
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