Haiti to the 2026 World Cup: Historic Celebration Amidst Adversity

Haiti Celebrates with Euphoria its World Cup Qualification

Port-au-Prince, Haiti – The Haitian capital took to the streets to celebrate the historic qualification of its national soccer team to the World Cup. Despite the challenges and violence facing the country, joy and national pride overflowed after the 2-0 victory over Nicaragua. The celebrations extended to various corners of the metropolitan area, including Pétion-ville, where hundreds of people celebrated with songs and dances. The victory, which secures Haiti’s second participation in a World Cup, generated a wave of jubilation amidst adversity. The team, led by French coach Sébastien Migné, achieved this feat after their only previous participation in Germany 1974. Due to the security situation, Haiti has played its matches abroad, including Curaçao, as its main stadium, the Stade Sylvio Cator, has been under the control of armed gangs since March 2024.

The president of Haiti’s Presidential Transition Council (CPT), Laurent Saint-Cyr, expressed his congratulations to the team, highlighting the importance of the victory on a symbolic date like November 18, the anniversary of the Battle of Vertières. Saint-Cyr emphasized the pride and national unity that this achievement represents.

“On this symbolic day of November 18th, the date of the Battle of Vertières, the Grenadiers have given the Haitian people a moment of deep pride and national communion.”

Laurent Saint-Cyr, President of the Presidential Transition Council of Haiti

Saint-Cyr also praised the team’s outstanding performance during the qualifiers, stating that this classification “revives hope, inspires youth, reinforces national cohesion and gives an entire people the conviction that, together, everything is possible.” The Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, described the qualification as “another victory and another page in history”, congratulating the players for putting Haiti on the world football map after more than 50 years. The Prime Minister highlighted that this achievement ignites a flame of hope and unites the country. The French embassy in Haiti, through its social media, congratulated the Haitian selection, highlighting the Vertières spirit that drove the “Grenadiers”. The United States also joined in the congratulations, recognizing the achievement as a reflection of the dedication, resilience, and talent of the team and the Haitian nation.