As the men’s football World Cup looms, the region’s prowess is often seen in terms of inspirational hardship, but the political will to treat sport strategically is lacking

The US is preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup while also deciding who is allowed to attend. For the Caribbean, that contradiction is familiar. In nearly a century of men’s World Cup football, only four Caribbean nations have ever qualified.

This year, more finally will, but many of their supporters, especially Haitians, will be unable to travel to cheer them on, blocked by immigration rules that sit uneasily beside sport’s language of unity.