Travel ban means many fans can’t go to Haiti’s World Cup matches – NBC Boston

Massachusetts leaders honored Haitian soccer star Frantzdy Pierrot on Tuesday as Haiti prepares for its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 52 years — but the celebration unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing U.S. travel ban that is preventing fans in Haiti from attending the tournament.

Officials issued a state proclamation recognizing Pierrot, a member of Haiti’s national soccer team who grew up in Massachusetts. Gov. Maura Healey declared May 26 Frantzdy Pierrot Day.

The recognition came just weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Haiti was set to play Scotland at Boston Stadium on June 13.

Frantzdy Pierrot credits his mentors in Massachusetts for allowing him to chase his dreams.

The Trump administration’s travel ban on Haiti took effect nearly a year ago and expanded in January, restricting entry under most immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. The restrictions meant many Haitian fans likely would not be able to travel to the United States to support their national team in person.

Boston City Councilor-at-Large Ruthzee Louijeune, who is of Haitian descent, said Haitian officials tried to advocate for exceptions to the policy.

“There were efforts by the Haitian ambassador, there were efforts to ease up on the travel ban so that the Haitian fans that do exist in Haiti could come and travel to the game,” Louijeune said. “Not only is it bad for morale, but it’s bad for our economy.”

Immigration attorney Giselle Rodriguez said Haitian clients affected by the ban faced difficult realities as the World Cup approached.

Rodriguez said fans hoping to attend the tournament had little chance of securing visas under the current restrictions.

“It’s just extremely upsetting,” Rodriguez said. “If you’re applying for a visa now, as a spectator and a fan, I do not think there’s a chance for you.”

Haiti is not the only World Cup participant affected by U.S. travel restrictions. Iran, Ivory Coast and Senegal also face partial or full travel bans.

For Pierrot’s supporters, the World Cup represents more than soccer.

Former Seacoast Soccer Academy coach Corlton Simmond said the tournament still offered an opportunity for connection despite the restrictions.

“We get it, there’s an issue, but the real issue is the game is going to be played, and we’re going to be able to see it and feel the love and be connected with each other,” Simmond said.

Pierrot said the situation gives him and his teammates an even stronger reason to leave it all on the pitch.

“It’s an extra motivation, because we know that there’s a lot of people that would love to travel to see all the games,” Pierrot said. “We know that they would love to be there, and love to be here with us, but we’re going to be with them through their hearts.”

The only exemption to the travel ban applied to the teams participating in the tournament.

Pierrot also announced the launch of a foundation aimed at helping children in Haiti pursue their dreams without having to immigrate to the United States as his parents did.

The June 13 World Cup match in Boston was expected to serve as a homecoming of sorts for the Haitian soccer star.