World Cup 2026: Haiti seek to defy odds on long-awaited return to global stage

Haiti will make a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026, ending a 52-year absence from football’s biggest stage. While qualification alone represents a historic achievement for the Caribbean nation, expectations remain modest as Les Grenadiers prepare to face some of the world’s strongest teams.

Drawn alongside Brazil, Morocco and Scotland, Haiti enter one of the tournament’s most demanding groups. With all three opponents boasting greater experience and higher rankings, progressing beyond the group stage will require one of the biggest surprises of the competition.

The Haitians secured their place at the World Cup through an impressive qualifying campaign in the CONCACAF region. A decisive 2-0 victory over Nicaragua sealed qualification and sparked celebrations across the country, marking only the second World Cup appearance in Haiti’s history.

Their previous participation came in 1974 when they faced football heavyweights Italy, Argentina and Poland. Haiti lost all three matches and exited the tournament at the group stage, conceding 14 goals. More than five decades later, they will be determined to produce a far more competitive showing.

Head coach Sébastien Migné has assembled a squad featuring several experienced professionals playing in Europe. Veteran goalkeeper and captain Johny Placide is expected to provide leadership and stability, while defender Jean-Kevin Duverne brings valuable experience at the back.

In midfield, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde will be tasked with driving the team forward and helping Haiti compete against technically gifted opponents. However, much of the country’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of striker Wilson Isidor.

The Sunderland forward is regarded as Haiti’s most dangerous attacking weapon heading into the tournament. Having tested himself in some of Europe’s top leagues, Isidor possesses the pace, movement and finishing ability needed to trouble opposition defences. His ability to convert limited opportunities could be crucial if Haiti are to cause an upset.

Haiti begin their campaign against Scotland before facing Brazil and Morocco in their remaining group matches. The opening fixture could prove decisive, as a positive result would significantly boost their confidence ahead of the tougher encounters that follow.

Although Haiti are not among the favourites to advance, their qualification story is already one of the feel-good narratives of the 2026 World Cup. For a nation returning to the global stage after more than half a century, simply competing against elite opposition represents a major milestone.

Reaching the knockout rounds would be a remarkable achievement, but Haiti’s primary objective will likely be to showcase their progress, gain valuable experience and leave a positive impression during their historic return to the World Cup.

Haiti 2026 World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Johny Placide (SC Bastia), Alexandre Pierre (FC Sochaux), Josué Duverger (FC Cosmos Koblenz)

Defenders: Carlens Arcus (Angers SCO), Wilguens Paugain (SV Zulte Waregem), Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs), Martin Expérience (AS Nancy-Lorraine), Jean-Kévin Duverne (KAA Gent), Ricardo Adé (LDU Quito), Hannes Delcroix (FC Lugano), Keeto Thermoncy (BSC Young Boys II)

Midfielders: Leverton Pierre (FC Vizela), Carl-Fred Sainte (El Paso Locomotive FC), Jean-Jacques Danley (Philadelphia Union), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolverhampton), Pierre Woodensky (Violette AC), Dominique Simon (FC Tatran Prešov)

Forwards: Louicius Deedson (FC Dallas), Ruben Providence (Almere City FC), Josué Casimir (AJ Auxerre), Derrick Etienne (Toronto FC), Wilson Isidor (Sunderland AFC), Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal FC), Frantzdy Pierrot (Çaykur Rizespor), Yassin Fortune (FC Vizela), Lenny Joseph (Ferencváros TC)