Haiti World Cup 2026

Haiti's return to the World Cup would be one of the most remarkable stories of the 2026 tournament, representing a nation that has faced immense hardship off the pitch yet finds unity and joy through football. Les Grenadiers have a proud Caribbean footballing culture and a growing diaspora-based talent pool across North America and France. Their squad blends MLS and European-based players with domestic standouts, and they play an energetic, attack-minded style that reflects the vibrant spirit of Haitian heritage. A first World Cup appearance in over 50 years would be a triumph of resilience for the entire nation.

Haiti stunned CONCACAF by topping third-round Group C to qualify in November 2025 — their first World Cup since 1974, ending a 52-year wait. Drawn into a daunting Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Scotland, they arrive as underdogs but with nothing to lose and a nation's hopes on their shoulders.

Sébastien Migné sets up an energetic 4-4-2 built on pace and directness. Wilson Isidor leads the line, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde provides Premier League quality from midfield, and the side looks to press high and break quickly. Haiti are athletic, fearless and carry the emotional fuel of a long-suffering nation.

Haiti have appeared at one previous World Cup, in 1974 in West Germany, where they lost all three group matches. That campaign remains a source of immense pride — striker Emmanuel Sanon scored a famous goal against Italy that ended goalkeeper Dino Zoff's world-record unbeaten run. A return to the World Cup after more than half a century is a momentous occasion for Haitian football.

At the 1974 World Cup, Haiti's Emmanuel Sanon scored against Italy to end goalkeeper Dino Zoff's legendary 1,142-minute international unbeaten streak — a record that had stood for over a year and may never be matched.