CARSON, Calif. – Mount Pleasant FA’s highly anticipated debut in the Concacaf Champions Cup has been thrown into disarray after ten players were denied visas to enter the United States, jeopardizing their Round of 16 matchup against the LA Galaxy. The Jamaican side, winners of the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, was set to face the Galaxy on Wednesday at Dignity Health Sports Park, but will now be forced to field a significantly weakened squad.
The visa denials, impacting a substantial portion of their team, including seven Haitian nationals, cast a shadow over what was to be a historic occasion for the club and Jamaican football. Mount Pleasant sporting director Paul Christie expressed frustration, stating, “We don’t want to just reveal up for the game, we want to be able to compete, but we are not being given the opportunity to be at our best.”
The situation stems from a travel ban impacting citizens of Haiti, expanded by United States President Donald Trump on January 1, 2026. Even as exemptions exist for major sporting events like the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which the US is co-hosting, the Concacaf Champions Cup does not currently qualify for such exceptions. Concacaf organizes the tournament, which features clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Despite the setback, Concacaf has confirmed the match will proceed as scheduled. A spokesperson for the organization stated that the responsibility for securing visas within the required timeframe – following the competition’s official draw in December 2025 – rested with Mount Pleasant FA. The club has been compelled to call up academy players to fill the gaps in their roster.
Impact on Mount Pleasant’s Debut
This visa issue significantly diminishes Mount Pleasant’s chances in the two-legged tie against the LA Galaxy. The club earned its place in the Champions Cup by winning the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, marking a major achievement for Jamaican football. Mount Pleasant is currently second in the Jamaican Premier League with 46 points (12 wins, 3 losses, 10 draws), demonstrating their competitive strength domestically. However, facing an MLS side like the LA Galaxy, even under normal circumstances, presents a formidable challenge.
The LA Galaxy advanced to the Round of 16 after drawing 1-1 on aggregate with Sporting San Miguelito of Panama, progressing on away goals. They are looking to continue their run in the tournament, which offers a coveted spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Players like Joseph Paintsil, who scored the series-winning goal against Sporting San Miguelito, and Marcus Reus are expected to play key roles for the Galaxy.
Concacaf Champions Cup Context
This represents not the first time a Jamaican club has faced difficulties in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Historically, Jamaican teams have struggled to advance past the Round of 16, with Arnett Gardens FC (2002-2003), Portmore United FC (2020), and Cavalier FC (2025) all being eliminated at this stage. This series likewise marks the fifth time Jamaican clubs have faced MLS opposition, with U.S. Teams winning each previous encounter. Previous matchups include DC United versus Harbour View FC (2004-2005 and 2007-2008), FC Cincinnati versus Cavalier SC (2024), and Inter Miami CF versus Cavalier SC (2025).
The second leg of the tie is scheduled for March 19 at Independence Park in Jamaica. The aggregate winner will advance to face either San Diego FC or Toluca of LIGA MX in the quarterfinals in April. Nine MLS clubs are participating in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The single-match final is set to be held on May 30.
The situation highlights the complexities faced by clubs from the Caribbean in navigating international travel regulations and underscores the importance of timely visa processing for participation in prestigious tournaments like the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The outcome of this series, and Mount Pleasant’s ability to overcome this significant hurdle, will be closely watched as a test of their resilience and a potential turning point for Jamaican football on the continental stage. Fans can follow the action live on FS2 and TUDN.
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