2026 FIFA World Cup: Haitis team coach aims for the round of 16

Haiti, qualified for the first time since 1974 for the World Cup, aims for the round of 16 of this global event, jointly organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This was stated by French coach Sébastien Migné on Friday (May 15). He, who took over the team in 2024, also announced the list of selected players.

“This is a special moment because it is the beginning, for the 26 selected players, of a new roadmap (…). The first objective will of course be to secure the first point in the World Cup finals, but that would be too little motivation for my players. On our new roadmap, there is access to the round of 16; this is what we will modestly try to achieve, focusing on the game and not the stakes,” explained Sébastien Migné, coach of the Haitian national football team.

Haiti is placed in Group C and will face Scotland on June 13, Brazil on June 19, and Morocco on June 24.

“I expect (the players) to show generosity, to connect with each other, and to have the best possible image. It’s a wonderful showcase for Haiti, there aren’t many like it,” added Sébastien Migné.

This country of nearly 12 million inhabitants is the poorest in the Americas. It has also been facing gang violence for years, causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

Among the 26 Grenadiers, two new players stand out: midfielder Dominique Simon from Presov (Slovakia) and forward Lenny Joseph from Ferencvaros (Hungary). The 25-year-old Joseph, who began his professional career at Metz, “has been performing at a high level in Europe for a few months,” explained the coach.

Before the World Cup, the Grenadiers will head to Port St. Lucie (Florida) on May 24 for a training camp. They will play two friendly matches there, on June 2 against New Zealand and on June 5 against Peru.

The list of 26 selected Haitian players for the World Cup includes: – Three goalkeepers: Johnny Placide (Bastia/FRA), Alexandre Pierre (Sochaux/FRA), Josué Duverger (Koblenz/GER). – Eight defenders: Carlens Arcus (Angers/FRA), Wilguens Pauguain (Waregem/BEL), Duke Lacroix (Colorado/USA), Martin Expérience (Nancy/FRA), Jean-Kévin Duverne (La Gantoise/BEL), Ricardo Adé (Quito/ECU), Hannes Delcroix (Lugano/SUI), Keeto Thermoncy (Berne/SUI). – Six midfielders: Leverton Pierre (Vizela/POR), Carl-Fred Sainthécie (El Paso/USA), Jean-Jacques Danley (Philadelphia/USA), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolverhampton/ENG), Pierre Woodenski (Violette/HAI), Dominique Simon (Presov/SVK). – Nine attackers: Louicius Deedson (Dallas/USA), Ruben Providence (Almere/NED), Josué Casimir (Auxerre/FRA), Derrick Etienne (Toronto/CAN), Wilson Isidor (Sunderland/ENG), Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal/IRN), Frantzdy Pierrot (Rizespor/TUR), Yassin Fortune (Vizela/POR), Lenny Joseph (Ferencvaros/HUN).