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Haiti’s national team has pulled off a major feat, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for just the second time in its history. But despite that achievement, their fans may not be able to cheer them on in person next summer — thanks to a travel ban imposed by former President Donald Trump.
The ban, signed earlier this year, bars nationals from 12 countries — including Haiti — from entering the United States. It affects both immigrants and visitors, citing national security concerns and fears around visa overstays.
For regular Haitian fans hoping to travel to the US for the tournament, this could be a crushing blow. While the team will be allowed to compete, most supporters back home won’t be granted entry under the current rules.
The Order Behind the Ban
Trump’s executive order, introduced in June, aimed to block travel from countries considered high-risk. It stated that Haiti lacks reliable law enforcement systems and claimed the country’s nationals have a history of overstaying visas.
The White House defended the move by pointing to the surge of Haitian migration under the Biden administration, describing it as a threat to public safety and national security.
But for everyday Haitian football fans, it means missing out on what should be a once-in-a-generation moment.
Players Are In — But What About the Fans?
There’s a built-in exemption for athletes and essential team staff, which clears the path for Haiti’s squad — including Premier League players Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves) and Hannes Delcroix (Burnley) — to compete.
But the same doesn’t apply to general supporters. Unless US authorities introduce a carve-out, most Haitian nationals will be stuck watching from home.
There are signs of pushback. FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously insisted there could be “no World Cup” if fans from qualified countries were denied access. Whether that stance leads to policy change is still uncertain.
Hope for Haitian-Americans
While fans in Haiti face travel barriers, those already living in the US — particularly in Florida, home to over half of the estimated 852,000 Haitian immigrants — should be able to support the team at matches. That’s cold comfort for those back on the island hoping to travel for the occasion.
It’s another wrinkle in what’s already been a turbulent journey for Haiti. Due to security concerns, the team has been playing its home matches 500 miles away in Curaçao. Still, they defied the odds by finishing top of their qualifying group.
What This Means for the Average Online Casino Player
For Haitian online bettors and sports fans, this situation highlights a growing disconnect between sport and access. If you’re in Haiti and hoped to pair a trip to the World Cup with a little action on your national team — through legal US sportsbooks or in-stadium wagering promotions — that door may now be shut.
It also raises questions for betting operators: Will Caribbean-based customers be excluded from World Cup-specific offers or live promotions? And how will sportsbooks cater to a fan base that might be stuck watching from afar?
Whether you’re cheering for Haiti or placing bets from overseas, the policy decisions in Washington are now directly shaping how fans experience the world’s biggest sporting event.
