Haiti – Team Profile | FIFA World Cup 2026
Haiti’s national football team, Les Grenadiers, makes a triumphant return to the FIFA World Cup after 52 years, qualifying for only their second appearance since 1974. In the 48-team format across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Haiti topped CONCACAF Group C to secure its spot, becoming the top Caribbean team in the confederation rankings.
Ranked 38th globally as of December 2025, Haiti enters with an underdog spirit but growing confidence under French coach Sébastien Migne. This qualification, achieved without Migne ever visiting the country due to security concerns, highlights the team’s resilience amid national challenges.
Historical Performance in the FIFA World Cup
Haiti’s sole previous World Cup outing was in 1974, where they faced Italy, Poland, and Argentina in the group stage, famously scoring first against Italy via Emmanuel Sanon before losing all matches.
This remains a landmark for Caribbean football. Recent years saw Haiti shine in the Gold Cup, reaching semi-finals in 2019, but World Cup qualification eluded them until now.
The 2026 berth marks Haiti as the second-smallest nation to qualify twice, inspiring the diaspora.
- 1974 – Group Stage: Sanon’s goal ended Italy’s long World Cup clean-sheet streak
- 2026 – Second World Cup appearance after a 52-year gap
Qualification Path for 2026
Haiti dominated CONCACAF Group C, winning all matches, including a 2-0 decider over Nicaragua, showcasing defensive grit and counter-attacks. This flawless run elevated them to seventh in CONCACAF rankings.
Coach: Sébastien Migne
Sébastien Migne, appointed in 2023, has led Haiti remotely, communicating via video and relying on assistants like David Laurent Baltase.
With experience in Africa and the Middle East, Migne focuses on organisation and motivation, stating, “This team has heart; the World Cup is our dream realised.”
Key Players
Haiti’s squad draws from European leagues and MLS, with an average age of 26. Captain Johny Placide anchors the team.
- Johny Placide (Goalkeeper, Bastia)
- Hannes Delcroix (Centre-Back, Burnley)
- Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Midfielder, Wolverhampton
- Jean-Kévin Duverne (Centre-Back, Nantes)
- Carlens Arcus (Right-Back, Vitesse)
- Danley Jean Jacques (Midfielder, Philadelphia Union)
- Derrick Etienne Jr. (Winger, Toronto FC)
- Frantzdy Pierrot (Striker, Maccabi Haifa)
- Duckens Nazon (Striker, Kayserispor)
- Martin Expérience (Left-Back,Nancy)
Other notables: Two highly-rated star players, Josué Casimir from French Ligue 1’s AJ Auxerre and Louicius Don Deedson (Winger, FC Dallas).
Tactics and Playing Style
Migne employs a 4-2-3-1, emphasising compact defence and rapid transitions. Haiti’s strength is athleticism and counterattacks, with Pierrot as the focal point. Set-pieces are key, but vulnerabilities include inexperience against elites.
Group Stage Draw and Fixtures
Haiti faces a tough Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland.
- June 13, 2026 — Haiti vs. Scotland
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough — 9:00 p.m.(ET)
- June 19, 2026 — Brazil vs. Haiti
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia — 9:00 p.m(ET).
- June 24, 2026 — Morocco vs. Haiti
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta — 6:00 p.m(ET).
Points against Scotland could be crucial.
Expectations and Outlook
As underdogs, Haiti aims to compete and gain experience. Pundits predict group stage exit but highlight upset potential.
Challenges include travel bans and cohesion, but qualification boosts morale. A win would be historic, fostering growth in Haitian football.