The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be a historic event across North America, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Eleven U.S. cities—including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle—will host matches, while Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Toronto, and Vancouver will also see World Cup action. Yet for some fans, the chance to attend these games may be blocked by political decisions beyond their control.
Former President Donald Trump, who has publicly expressed enthusiasm for the tournament and is expected to attend several matches, has reportedly maintained travel restrictions affecting certain countries. While players, coaching staff, and immediate family members are exempt, supporters from some nations may be denied entry.
Haiti, which secured only its second-ever World Cup appearance after defeating Nicaragua 2–0 on November 19, faces such a challenge. Under Trump’s travel ban—signed in June and encompassing 18 countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Haiti—Haitian fans may be unable to enter the U.S. for matches. Partial restrictions also apply to nationals from countries including Cuba, Laos, and Venezuela. Haiti joins Iran as one of the qualifying nations whose supporters could be barred from attending games on U.S. soil.
The situation is compounded by ongoing crises in Haiti, including political instability, gang violence, and worsening humanitarian conditions. The national team has been forced to play home matches hundreds of miles away in Curaçao, highlighting the obstacles Haitian players and fans face even before the World Cup begins. For supporters, the team’s qualification represents a rare moment of pride—but the travel restrictions may turn that achievement into a bittersweet experience.
Conclusion
The 2026 World Cup promises thrilling matches and global attention, but geopolitics are creating barriers for some fans. Haitian supporters, despite their team’s historic success, may be left cheering from afar due to travel restrictions. This situation underscores how political decisions can intersect with sports, reminding us that the unifying power of international tournaments sometimes collides with real-world challenges.