Port-au-Prince, Haiti — Haiti’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup has become a rare moment of collective joy amid the country’s ongoing political turmoil and security crisis. The Caribbean nation, preparing for its first World Cup appearance in more than 50 years, is experiencing a wave of national pride despite widespread hardships.
On June 15, Haitian fans gathered around small screens at displacement camps and community spaces across Port-au-Prince to watch a 4-0 warmup victory against New Zealand. Roobens Michel, displaced from his Solino neighborhood by armed gangs in late 2024, described the team’s qualification as a brief reprieve from the violence and instability that have marred daily life. "When we won, we forgot we had problems. We spent the night celebrating, dancing in the streets," he said.
The ongoing crisis in Haiti has been marked by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, the absence of a functioning government since then, and rampant gang violence. United Nations reports indicate that heavily armed groups control up to 90% of the capital and large parts of the countryside, contributing to widespread looting, kidnappings, and displacements. The International Organization for Migration estimates that about 1.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes. Meanwhile, nearly half the population faces severe food insecurity, according to the World Food Program.
Against this bleak backdrop, Haitian supporters have embraced their national soccer team, known as Les Grenadiers, as a symbol of resilience and hope. Neighborhoods display oversized murals and posters celebrating the players, while cars fly Haiti’s blue and red flag instead of those of traditional soccer powerhouses. Official team jerseys have rapidly sold out nationwide.
“Nothing brings Haiti together quite like soccer,” said Nesmy Manigat, a former education minister. Manigat emphasized the World Cup’s significance beyond sport, noting that it rekindles national pride and provides young Haitians with a sense of confidence and dignity on the global stage.
Les Grenadiers face a difficult challenge in the tournament. The squad, coached by Frenchman Sébastien Migné, is mostly composed of players based overseas due to security concerns at home — only one member plays in a Haitian club. The team has never set foot on Haitian soil during preparations, with all qualifying matches held abroad. Visa restrictions imposed by the previous U.S. administration and the high cost of World Cup tickets have limited travel for players and fans alike. Woodensky Pierre, the only Haiti-based player, missed a recent friendly due to visa delays.
Economic hardship further constrains attendance at matches. With most Haitians living on less than $5 a day, tickets costing thousands of dollars remain unattainable for the average citizen. Economist Vincent Maurepas Jeudy underscored the challenge, calling the inability of many Haitians to attend matches “a disaster.”
Many Haitians will watch the tournament on shared televisions powered by solar panels or irregular electricity. In displacement camps such as KID in downtown Port-au-Prince, families gather to follow the team’s progress. Junior Deslouis, who lost his home to gang violence, expressed the hope that a Haitian World Cup victory could change the country’s fortunes.
In some areas, the World Cup has also brought economic opportunity. In the coastal town of Jérémie, local entrepreneur Pierre Fransein Lundy has seen business triple at his restaurant and beauty salon during the team’s warmup games. Public events, street cleanings, and musical performances are part of a growing festive atmosphere surrounding Haiti’s World Cup debut.
Haiti’s first match of the tournament, held June 17 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, against Scotland, exemplifies the aspirations of a nation striving for normalcy and unity amid adversity. While Les Grenadiers entered the competition ranked 83rd globally, far behind opponents Brazil and Morocco, the team carries the hopes of millions longing for a brighter future.