Haiti at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Haiti has made only one previous World Cup appearance before 2026: the 1974 tournament in West Germany, their first and until now only qualification. Playing in a group alongside Italy, Poland, and Argentina, Haiti made an immediate impact when forward Emmanuel Sanon scored against Italy, ending goalkeeper Dino Zoff's remarkable unbeaten run of over 1,143 international minutes. Despite that historic moment, Haiti were eliminated in the group stage. The 2026 tournament marks Haiti's return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence, and only the second World Cup appearance in the nation's history.

Qualification

Haiti qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the CONCACAF third-round qualifying competition, finishing top of Group C. They clinched their place with a 2-0 victory over Nicaragua on the final matchday, while simultaneously Honduras lost their match, which confirmed Haiti as group winners. Coach Sebastien Migne, a Frenchman who took charge in June 2024, oversaw what was widely considered one of CONCACAF's biggest qualifying surprises. The squad is composed primarily of diaspora players representing clubs across Europe, North America, South America, and Asia.

Preparation

Haiti's pre-tournament preparations began on 24 May 2026 with a training camp in South Florida. Coach Migne named his final 26-man squad on 15 May 2026. Haiti won 4-0 over New Zealand on 2 June and lost 2-1 to Peru on 5 June in friendlies. The squad was based at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey through 22 June. A visa saga around Woodensky Pierre (Violette AC) was resolved when he arrived on 2 June after the federation secured an official passport. Leverton Pierre was ruled out with a right adductor injury on 11 June and replaced by Garven Metusala. FIFA also required Haiti to modify their jersey before the tournament, removing an illustration of the 1803 Battle of Vertières. Haiti lost their World Cup opener 0-1 to Scotland on 13 June at Gillette Stadium. They then fell 0-3 to Brazil on 19 June at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, becoming the first team eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. In their final group match on 24 June, Haiti lost 4-2 to Morocco in Atlanta. FIFA subsequently ruled the opening goal an own goal by Morocco goalkeeper Bounou after VAR review, stripping Lenny Joseph of the credit; Wilson Isidor (43') is officially Haiti's first World Cup scorer since 1974. Haiti finished bottom of Group C with three defeats. Coach Migne, still under contract with the FHF, stated on 28 June he intends to continue with the team, with any decision resting with the federation.

Latest news

FHF and coach Sébastien Migné mutually end collaboration after World Cup exit

· coach

The FHF announced on 14 July an amicable, mutual agreement to end coach Sébastien Migné's tenure, weeks after Haiti's winless 2026 World Cup campaign. FHF Secretary General Patrick Massénat said Migné will be remembered for the qualification that returned Haiti to the World Cup after 52 years. No successor had been named.

Migne says he wants to stay with Haiti; final decision rests with FHF

· coach

Coach Sébastien Migné, still under contract with the Fédération Haïtienne de Football, stated he intends to honour his contract and wishes to continue leading the Haitian national team. He said any decision about his position ultimately rests with the FHF and that his focus is on the team's development and consolidating the World Cup experience.

FIFA rules Haiti's 10th-minute goal an own goal by Bounou; Isidor officially first Haitian scorer since 1974

· general

After VAR review, FIFA officially credited Haiti's opening goal against Morocco on 24 June as an own goal by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, whose touch redirected Lenny Joseph's audacious backheel flick. This denied Joseph the distinction of becoming Haiti's first men's World Cup scorer since 1974, with that historic milestone now belonging to Wilson Isidor, who struck in the 43rd minute.

Haiti lose 4-2 to Morocco but score historic first World Cup goals in 52 years

· matches

Haiti fell 4-2 to Morocco at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (att. 68,239), finishing bottom of Group C. Lenny Joseph scored a back-heeled flick in the 10th minute, Haiti's first World Cup goal since 1974; Wilson Isidor added a strike in the 43rd, both assisted by Jean-Kevin Duverne. Morocco replied through Hakimi (39'), Saibari (45+1'), Rahimi (78') and Yassine (89').

Haiti eliminated after 0-3 loss to Brazil; Cunha brace and Vinicius strike end World Cup run

· matches

Haiti lost 3-0 to Brazil at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on 19 June, becoming the first team eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Matheus Cunha scored twice (23', 36') and Vinícius Júnior added a third (45+3'). Raphinha had an early goal ruled offside. Haiti received yellow cards for Arcus (4'), Pierrot (45+4'), and Jean Jacques (72'). Haiti face Morocco on 24 June in Atlanta.

Haiti lose World Cup opener 0-1 to Scotland; McGinn deflection settles tight contest

· matches

Haiti lost their first World Cup match in 52 years 0-1 to Scotland at Gillette Stadium on 13 June. John McGinn's 28th-minute deflected strike was the only goal in a match featuring 44 combined fouls. Haiti's best chance came in the 84th minute when Frantzdy Pierrot's header sailed wide. Coach Migne said 'you can get punished with one oversight' despite Haiti's level.

Leverton Pierre out with adductor injury; Garven Metusala called up as late replacement

· squad

Midfielder Leverton Pierre (FC Vizela) was ruled out of the 2026 World Cup with a right adductor injury on June 11, two days before the opener against Scotland. Defender Garven Metusala (Colorado Springs Switchbacks, formerly Forge FC) was named as his replacement; the Quebec-born 26-year-old had 15 caps but was not in the original squad.

FIFA forces Haiti to remove Battle of Vertières imagery from World Cup jersey

· general

FIFA required Haiti to modify their match jersey after ruling that an illustration of the 1803 Battle of Vertières on the shirt's right hip violated equipment regulations on political messaging. Colombian kit maker Saeta confirmed on June 11 it would comply, saying the design was a tribute, not a political statement. The original kit had been worn in both pre-tournament friendlies.

Haiti arrive at Stockton University base camp with community-day first practice

· general

Haiti's squad arrived at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey on 9 June and held its first practice at G. Larry James Stadium before about 500 local fans, youth players and supporters on a community day. The team is based there through 22 June, with roughly nine closed practices between group games. Coach Sebastien Migne called the facilities 'perfect' and the welcome 'amazing'.

Haiti lose 2-1 to Peru in final World Cup warm-up despite early Isidor lead

· matches

In their last pre-tournament friendly, Haiti lost 2-1 to Peru on 5 June at a sold-out Nu Stadium in Miami (attendance 26,700). Wilson Isidor put them ahead in the 16th minute, but after wasting second-half chances they conceded twice: Renzo Garces equalised in the 81st minute and Jairo Velez won it three minutes later. Coach Sebastien Migne warned of 'no room for mistakes' against top-50 sides.

Haiti rout New Zealand 4-0 in Fort Lauderdale World Cup tune-up

· matches

Haiti beat New Zealand 4-0 in a pre-tournament friendly at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on 2 June before more than 16,000 fans. Ruben Providence scored in the 12th minute, Lenny Joseph added a second after halftime on his debut, Frantzdy Pierrot made it 3-0 in the 62nd minute, and Duke Lacroix completed the rout late on. Coach Sebastien Migne praised Joseph and Dominique Simon.

Woodensky Pierre gets US visa and arrives in Florida via official passport

· general

Haiti midfielder Woodensky Pierre (Violette AC), the squad's only home-based player, obtained his US visa on 1 June and arrived in Fort Lauderdale on 2 June, resolving a delay caused by US travel restrictions on Haitian nationals. The Haitian Football Federation secured an official passport to bypass the restrictions. The 21-year-old missed the first week of training and the New Zealand friendly.

Haitian Bridge Alliance letters Rubio to push Woodensky Pierre's US visa

· general

The Haitian Bridge Alliance, led by executive director Guerline Jozef, sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging that Haiti midfielder Woodensky Pierre, the squad's only home-based player, be granted a US visa so he can join his teammates for the 2026 World Cup. The letter asks the State Department to give the matter timely consideration.

Woodensky Pierre still awaiting US visa as 25 teammates train in Florida

· general

Haiti midfielder Woodensky Pierre (Violette AC), the only player in the World Cup squad still based in Haiti, was still awaiting a US visa amid expanded US travel restrictions, while his 25 teammates trained in Florida. Federation spokesman Thecieux Jeanty said the process was ongoing with government support. Nearly a dozen Haitian football officials were also awaiting visas.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Johny PlacideGKSC Bastia
Alexandre PierreGKFC Sochaux
Josue DuvergerGKFC Cosmos Koblenz
Carlens ArcusDFAngers SCO
Wilguens PaugainDFSV Zulte Waregem
Duke LacroixDFColorado Springs Switchbacks
Martin ExperienceDFAS Nancy-Lorraine
Jean-Kevin DuverneDFKAA Gent
Ricardo AdeDFLDU Quito
Hannes DelcroixDFFC Lugano
Keeto ThermoncyDFBSC Young Boys II
Jean-Ricner BellegardeMFWolverhampton Wanderers
Garven MetusalaDFColorado Springs Switchbacks
Carl-Fred SaintheMFEl Paso Locomotive FC
Danley Jean JacquesMFPhiladelphia Union
Woodensky PierreMFViolette AC
Dominique SimonMFFC Tatran Presov
Wilson IsidorFWSunderland
Lenny JosephFWFerencvarosi TC
Duckens NazonFWEsteghlal FC
Derrick Etienne JrFWToronto FC
Frantzdy PierrotFWCaykur Rizespor
Josue CasimirFWAJ Auxerre
Yassine FortuneFWFC Vizela
Louicius Don DeedsonFWFC Dallas
Ruben ProvidenceFWAlmere City FC

Recent results

  • 2026-06-24 — MAR 4-2 HAI (group)
  • 2026-06-19 — BRA 3-0 HAI (group)
  • 2026-06-13 — HAI 0-1 SCO (group)
  • 2024-06-06 — HAI 2-1 LCA (qualification)
  • 2024-06-09 — BRB 1-3 HAI (qualification)
  • 2025-03-22 — AZE 0-3 HAI (friendly)
  • 2025-06-07 — ARU 0-5 HAI (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — HAI 1-5 CUW (qualification)
  • 2025-09-05 — HAI 0-0 HON (qualification)
  • 2025-09-09 — CRC 3-3 HAI (qualification)
  • 2025-10-09 — NCA 0-3 HAI (qualification)
  • 2025-10-13 — HON 3-0 HAI (qualification)
  • 2025-11-13 — HAI 1-0 CRC (qualification)
  • 2025-11-18 — HAI 2-0 NCA (qualification)
  • 2026-03-28 — HAI 0-1 TUN (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — HAI 1-1 ISL (friendly)
  • 2026-06-02 — HAI 4-0 NZL (friendly)
  • 2026-06-05 — HAI 1-2 PER (friendly)

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