Haiti World Cup 2026: Underdogs Haiti have got better lately

Haiti are embarking on their second major tournament voyage at the 2026 World Cup. They are the only Caribbean nation to have made it to the showpiece competition, first doing so in 1974. Haiti went winless at that tournament. But a goal from Emmanuel Sanon against Italy broke the great Dino Zoff’s record 1143-minute run without conceding an international goal.

Can this pluckiest of underdogs make history again? Read my Haiti 2026 World Cup preview and find out.

Goalkeepers: Josue Duverger (FC Cosmos Koblenz), Johnny Placide (Bastia), Alexandre Pierre (Sochaux)

Defenders: Carlens Arcus (Angers), Wilguens Pauguain (Zulte Waregem), Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs), Martin Experience (Nancy), Jean-Kevin Duverne (KAA Gent), Ricardo Ade (LDU Quito), Hannes Delcroix (Lugano), Keeto Thermoncy (Young Boys)

Midfielders: Leverton Pierre (Vizela), Carl-Fred Sainthe (El Paso Locomotive), Jean-Jacques Danley (Philadelphia Union), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves), Pierre Woodenski (Violette), Dominique Simon (Tatran Presov)

Forwards: Louicius Deedson (Dallas), Ruben Providence (Almere City), Josue Casimir (Auxerre), Derrick Etienne (Toronto), Wilson Isidor (Sunderland), Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal), Frantzdy Pierrot (Caykur Rizespor), Yassin Fortune (Vizela), Lenny Joseph (Ferencvaros)

World Cup Odds

Haiti are one of the teams people hold up as an example of the 48-team format being excessive. This is not the place to litigate that FIFA innovation and who wants it. But you can only play the cards you’re dealt and Sebastien Migne’s men earned their place at the World Cup.

A 1-0 upset over Costa Rica stands out, with Frantzdy Pierrot’s goal just before half-time proving decisive. A 3-3 draw away at the same opponent and a brace of victories over Nicaragua helped seal Haiti’s path to their first World Cup since 1974.

This group is not quite a ‘Group of Death’, but it remains a group with plenty to trouble Haiti. Brazil have immense talent to call upon throughout their squad. Scotland have danger aplenty while Morocco are riding a post-AFCON high. 

But the World Cup is about more than just the best teams rutting for supremacy. Sometimes a smaller nation captures the imagination. Haiti are one to watch if you fancy a bit of World Cup magic.

Group C Fixtures:

14 June 9pm local (15 June 2am BST) – vs Scotland (Boston)

19 June 9pm local (20 June 2am BST) – vs Brazil (Philadelphia)

24 June 6pm local (11pm BST) – vs Morocco (Atlanta)

Football Odds

Key Player: Johny Placide

Haiti boast Premier League players like Wilson Isidor and Jean‐Ricner Bellegard alongside a strong contingent from the MLS. But it is between the posts that carries the most pressure for a team expecting to be heavily tested.

Bastia’s Placide is Haiti’s captain and has amassed 79 caps for the Grenadiers. At 38 years of age, this feels like a swansong. Placide’s performances were a huge part of qualification, with the veteran dazzling in that famous Costa Rica. If Haiti are to pull off a shock or two here, it all starts with the goalkeeper.

Prediction: Eliminated in Group Stage

I think this is Haiti’s year and I fully expect them to win the World Cup.

That woke you up, didn’t it? Sadly I do believe Haiti’s trip will be a short one. Brazil have too much firepower. Morocco have too much experience. Scotland have too much Scott McTominay. 

Don’t hate me, Haiti.