PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) The U.S. government has issued a visa to Woodensky Pierre, the sole resident player of Haiti's national soccer team, allowing him to travel and participate in the upcoming World Cup. An official confirmed this information on Tuesday.
Thecieux Jeanty, the spokesperson for Haiti's soccer federation, stated that Pierre was set to travel to Florida on Tuesday. Jeanty described it as a "great moment" and "a moment of happiness" for Pierre.
Upon arriving at the airport in Port-au-Prince, Pierre was met with enthusiastic supporters who expressed their joy for him, noting that he had "a happy heart." Airport staff took the opportunity to request photos with Pierre, while his mother embraced him on multiple occasions before his departure.
Among the supporters was Guy Ernst Phillipe, who expressed immense pride, stating, "We could not be any more proud... I’m touching history right now." He playfully urged Pierre to score "at least 10 goals" during the tournament, eliciting laughter from both of them.
Pierre's teammates had arrived in Florida the previous week to begin preparations for the World Cup. This marks Haiti's second qualification for the tournament; the last occurrence was over fifty years ago, making this event particularly historic for the nation. Pierre had been practicing with local players in an affluent area of Port-au-Prince while waiting for his visa approval. Due to security concerns, the team's stadium in the capital was deemed too dangerous, prompting Haiti to conduct its "home" World Cup qualifiers in Curaçao.
Originating from Cite Soleil, a neighborhood plagued by hunger, violence, and gang activity, Pierre's journey to the World Cup is emblematic of the resilience and talent emanating from a region facing severe challenges. The western part of Port-au-Prince, where Cite Soleil is located, is largely controlled by gangs, affecting daily life there.
As part of their preparations, Haiti is scheduled to play warmup matches against New Zealand on Tuesday and Peru on Friday. The team's World Cup journey begins on June 13 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where they will face Scotland. Following that, they will take on the five-time champion Brazil on June 19 in Philadelphia, and Morocco on June 24 in Atlanta.
As Woodensky Pierre steps onto the world stage, he carries the hopes of his nation, a symbol of ambition and perseverance amid adversity. The upcoming matches will not only provide him with an opportunity to showcase his talent but also allow him to represent the spirit of Haiti on one of the largest platforms in sports.
