Haiti's Grenadiers Bring Hope and Joyful Moments at World Cup 2026

• Haiti made its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974, qualifying on November 18, 2025, the anniversary of the Battle of Vertières.
• Despite elimination in the first round after losses to Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco, the team provided a symbolic sense of national pride and unity.
• Widespread gang violence and control of infrastructure like the FIFA Goal Center and Sylvio Cator National Stadium forced the team to play qualifying matches in Curaçao.
• The government provided public screening areas to allow citizens, including those in displaced-person camps, to watch matches together.

Internal Challenges

• Local football infrastructure has been crippled by armed groups; the 400 Mawozo gang burned parts of the FIFA Goal Center in Croix-des-Bouquets.
• The historic Sylvio Cator National Stadium in Port-au-Prince was seized and damaged by gangs in 2024.
• Insecurity has effectively halted local leagues, leaving most of the national squad composed of players based abroad.
• Vice-captain Ricardo Adé publicly urged authorities and gangs to "open the country," specifically calling for the clearing of blocked roads.

Impact on National Narrative

• Fans and supporters view the team's presence on the global stage as a counter-narrative to international media portrayals of gang violence and misery.
• The team’s performance served as a brief respite for a population currently suffering from severe instability, particularly in areas like Cité Soleil.
• Players demonstrated resilience, concluding the tournament with a hard-fought 4-2 loss to Morocco, earning widespread appreciation from the diaspora and residents at home.