Some World Cup fans face US visa hurdles despite teams qualifying for tournament

NEW YORK: The countdown to the FIFA World Cup is underway, but for some fans, getting into the United States – a key host nation – is proving harder than securing match tickets.

Strict visa rules are blocking or delaying entry for fans from several countries, preventing them from watching matches in the US despite their teams having qualified.

The US State Department has fully or partially suspended visa issuance for 39 countries, citing national security concerns. The list includes World Cup qualifiers Haiti, Iran, Senegal and Ivory Coast.

The US will co-host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The football tournament, which kicks off on Jun 11, will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams. 

For Haitian soccer fans, the restrictions cut deep.

The national team has not appeared in a World Cup in decades – making this a rare and emotional opportunity.

Haitian immigrant-turned-entrepreneur Sony Sauveur, who owns Golden Blue Bar & Restaurant in Brooklyn, said: “All we ask is the opportunity to come and to watch our team play. We don’t ask for anything else.”

Haiti remains under a US “Do Not Travel” advisory due to surging gang violence, kidnappings and political instability – factors officials say underpin the visa policies. 

But for many in the Haitian diaspora, the World Cup was meant to shift the narrative.

“We always hear about Haiti in the news, and it's usually moments of tragedy, moments of political turmoil,” said restaurant owner and food author Nadege Fleurimond.

“So, having the World Cup be the reason that Haiti is on an international perspective and international stage is really a sense of pride and excitement.” 

Instead, that excitement has been overshadowed by the restrictions. 

“That's what the World Cup is about