Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Haiti

Get the lowdown onevery team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at Haiti.

What can I expect from Haiti?

Haiti is the most troubled nation in the Americas – by reaching a World Cup finals, its footballers bring a remarkable backstory.

In 1974 they arrived with baggage, in the shape of Haiti's infamous secret police. There was one fewer suitcase on the journey home, though – defender Ernst Jean-Joseph failed a drugs test after their opening game and, according to widespread accounts, was forcibly returned to Haiti by the regime.

Half a century later, their second qualification has been achieved amidst a humanitarian crisis. Destitution is widespread. Armed gangs rule.

Haiti can't play matches at home, so qualification was an incredible achievement. Head coach Sebastian Migne has never set foot inside the country, but he has trawled the European leagues for players with Haitian heritage.

The World Cup draw has not been kind, though. As the saying goes in Haiti: "The problems, they never end".

What are Haiti's strengths?

Smart recruitment has added pedigree up front and to the midfield. Migne's side counter-attack effectively at pace, with the new boys shining in a 4-0 win over New Zealand on 2 June.

And what about their weaknesses?

Haiti have played an adventurous 4-2-3-1 formation that leaves them vulnerable in defence. Given the nature of their Group C opponents, expect to see a more cautious 4-4-2 – sit back, protect the back four and hit teams on the break.

Goalkeeper Johny Placide is an important figure but has only just returned from knee surgery.

How might Haiti line up?

Which players should I look out for?

Wilson Isidor scored on his first international start in March. Sunderland's France-born striker switched allegiance to Haiti after being lobbied on social media by fans.

Former Oldham goalkeeper Jonny Placide was also born in France, but in Haiti he is the figurehead of the team.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde of Wolves has had a transformational effect on Haiti since his debut last autumn, both destroying and creating in the middle of the park. An instant fan favourite.

Who is Haiti's head coach?

Frenchman Sebastien Migne was in charge of Congo, Kenya and Equatorial Guinea, and then assistant to Rigobert Song with Cameroon in 2022. The latter didn't reach the last 16 but did beat already-qualified Brazil in their final group game.

How did Haiti qualify?

In a 'home' game 500 miles away in Curacao, a win over Nicaragua sparked joy on the streets of neighbourhoods normally blighted by gunfire and fear.

Where can I watch Haiti?

All of Haiti's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Haiti striker Duckens Nazon, who plays his club football in Iran, had an eventful escape when war started. He fled Tehran, and made his way out through Azerbaijan, having seen bombs land "100 metres away".

He recalled: "I was stuck at the border for 48 hours. They refused me, sent me back to Iran and I slept at the border. The French embassy helped me get out."

Now give me some proper detail

November 18 is a big day in Haiti. Firstly for the slave revolt that overthrew Napoleon's colonial rule at the Battle of Vertieres in 1803 and then for achieving World Cup qualification exactly 222 years later.

The intervening period has been punctuated by war, oppression and earthquakes. The darkest of dark times were 1957-86, when Haiti was ruled by the despotic father-and-son duo Francois and Jean-Claude Duvalier.

The first Haitian to make his mark at the World Cup was Joe Gaetjens – representing the USA, he scored the winner as they shocked England 1-0 in 1950. Gaetjens later returned to his homeland. His family were involved in resistance against the regime. One night in 1964, Gaetjens was abducted. He was never seen again.

In 1974, Haiti appeared in their only previous World Cup. They took the lead against before losing 3-1 but Haitian pride swelled. Shame quickly followed. Defender Ernst Jean-Joseph failed a post-match doping test, was removed from the team hotel and sent back to Haiti. His team-mates lost 7-0 to Poland and, after he called to tell them he was safe, 4-1 to Argentina.

Haiti, then. Not a land blessed by fairytales. But 52 years on, their new World Cup chapter is THE feel-good story of world football.

How have Haiti done at previous World Cups?

In their only previous World Cup appearance, in 1974, Haiti lost all three group games and conceded 14 goals.