After 52 Years Haiti enters the Finals of FIFA World Cup 2026.

For the first time since 1974, the Football Crazy Caribbean island of Haiti will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Haitians of all ages are smiling far and wide, as the Caribbean island secured their passage to the FIFA World Cup 26. Despite playing all of their home matches in a neutral setting, Haiti defied the odds to reach next year’s global showcase after defeating Nicaragua 2-0 on the final matchday in Group C of the third round of “The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football” (Concacaf) qualifying.

Les Grenadiers were unfazed going up against more celebrated group opponents, like 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica and three-time participants Honduras, along with a rising Nicaragua. Haiti topped them all and will play in just their second World Cup and first since 1974.

Haiti did enough to secure a second-place finish in the second round of qualifying to progress to the decisive stage, finishing ahead of Saint Lucia, Aruba and Barbados, but suffering a dismal 4-0 defeat to Curaçao.

Things looked bleak early in the third round. An opening home draw to Honduras was followed by a poor first half at Costa Rica and a 2-0 half-time deficit. It was at that moment that Haiti’s campaign changed. Off the bench came Duckens Nazon and a lightning-quick hat-trick from the talismanic striker ultimately earned a share of the spoils in a 3-3 final.

Still, going into the November window, Haiti was on the outside looking in, but once again with adversity staring them in the face, they responded and put Costa Rica to the sword in a 1-0 final. Honduras’ stumbles at Nicaragua and at Costa Rica paved the way for this triumphant finale.

Nazon, who is just five goals away from becoming Haiti’s all-time top scorer, was the guiding light in qualifying with six goals, tops among all players in Concacaf. And now all of Haiti will get a chance to shine next year in North America.

Haiti at the FIFA World Cup:

First appearance: 1974; Appearances: Two (1974, 2026); Best result: Group stage (1974)

Team Maverick