Woodensky Pierre Joins Haiti Squad in Fort Lauderdale Ahead of World Cup 2026 Preparations

Woodensky Pierre, the only member of the Haiti national football team residing in the Caribbean country, received his visa to enter the United States on Tuesday and subsequently joined his teammates in Fort Lauderdale. His arrival coincided with a significant 4-0 victory for Haiti over New Zealand in a preparatory match ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

At 21 years old, Pierre had been training in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, while awaiting the visa approval. Once granted, he traveled to Florida, where he was warmly welcomed by approximately ten thousand Haitian supporters present at the stadium. The fans celebrated not only the team's convincing win but also the arrival of Pierre, who took a walk around the pitch following the match, marking a moment of unity and excitement for the squad and its supporters.

Woodensky Pierre plays for Violette AC, a club based in Haiti, and his presence adds a unique dimension to the team as he is the only player residing in the Caribbean, with the rest of the squad based abroad. His recent arrival in the United States represents a key step in the team's preparations for the upcoming World Cup, where Haiti is set to compete in Group C alongside Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco.

The 4-0 win over New Zealand was Haiti's first preparatory match for the tournament, providing the team with valuable momentum and confidence. The national team is scheduled to play a final test match against Peru on Friday, which will further assess their readiness ahead of the global competition.

Following these preparatory fixtures, Haiti will focus on finalizing their squad and tactics under the guidance of their coaching staff. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will be crucial in building cohesion and ensuring they are competitive in the World Cup group stage. The arrival of Woodensky Pierre and his integration into the squad could have a positive impact on the team's dynamics as they aim to make a strong impression on the international stage.