In 2004, the Peace Match between Brazil and Haiti went beyond football

In partnership with

CBF

·19 June 2026

In 2004, the Peace Match between Brazil and Haiti went beyond football

In 2004, the Peace Game between Brazil and Haiti transcended football Credits: CBF Archive

Of the three matches in history between Brazil and Haiti, who face each other this Friday (19) in the second round of the World Cup, the 2004 friendly known as the “Peace Game” stands out from the others for its importance off the field. At the time, the Caribbean nation was going through a period of political instability following the removal of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

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In response to this scenario of economic and social crisis, the United Nations (UN) created the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The initiative aimed to restore order and contain guerrilla groups. MINUSTAH was coordinated by Brazil.

For the Peace Game, the national team went to Sylvio Cator Stadium, in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, in UN armored vehicles, accompanied by a crowd of HaitiansCredits: CBF Archive

In this context, the Brazil national team was invited to play a friendly against the home side. On August 18, 2004, the Seleção delegation landed in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, just a few hours before the match, and headed to Sylvio Cator Stadium in UN armored vehicles, accompanied by a crowd.

As Brazil scored all six goals in the 6-0 win, the fans in attendance erupted with joy. Ronaldinho Gaúcho scored three, Roger Flores two, and Nilmar one. In the squad coached by Parreira were also world champions Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, Roque Júnior, Gilberto Silva and Belletti. The match was Brazil’s first after winning the Copa América title against Argentina on penalties.

Under the motto “Social justice is the true name of peace,” the match eased tensions in Haiti for a brief moment and brought joy and football to the local population.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho scored three goals in the 6-0 rout of Haiti in the Peace Game on August 18, 2004Credits: CBF Archive

Memories of Juan Santos

Now the technical coordinator of the Brazil national team, former center back Juan Santos was one of the players called up for the Peace Game and recalled memories of this iconic friendly. Among his most striking memories are the connection with Haitians in the streets and the affection the population showed for the Seleção.

"It was a very emotional match, because of everything that game involved. The country (Haiti) was in a civil war, the army was on the streets. I remember that we arrived on the day of the match, under escort, and went to the stadium in war tanks. But we could also see what was happening in the country, all the poverty. We were very happy that, on that day, we could bring joy to those people, who wanted to see the Brazil national team, and give something back with a spectacle for 90 minutes and provide peace of mind, during the time we were in the country, for people who were going through a difficult moment," he recalled.

"We were very anxious and curious to know what would happen, because we knew the country was experiencing a war. But from the moment we arrived, we felt very safe and interacted a lot with the people. The first instruction we received was to stay inside the tanks, but later we all got on top, interacted with the people, and saw that Brazilian football is deeply loved in Haiti, which had been waiting for that moment. They were able to forget a little about the war they were living through and enjoy that moment with the Brazil national team," he added.

Juan Santos and Ronaldinho Gaúcho put on their boots for the Peace Game between Brazil and HaitiCredits: CBF Archive

Other matches

Brazil and Haiti faced each other for the first time on April 21, 1974, at Hélio Prates da Silveira Stadium, the former name of Mané Garrincha Stadium, in Brasília, where the Seleção won 4-0 with goals from Paulo Cézar Caju, Rivellino, Marinho Chagas and Edu.

The most recent meeting came in the Copa América Centenario on June 8, 2016. At Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Brazil cruised to a 7-1 win. Philippe Coutinho (3), Renato Augusto (2), Gabriel Barbosa and Lucas Lima found the net. Among the 26 players called up by Carlo Ancelotti for this year’s World Cup, Alisson, Marquinhos and Casemiro played in that match. Douglas Santos and Fabinho were also part of that squad, but did not take the field against Haiti.

Casemiro in action during the 7-1 rout of Haiti at Camping World Stadium in Orlando in the Copa América Centenario on June 8, 2016Credits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

See the list of matches between Brazil and Haiti:

1) 04/21/1974 – Brazil 4 x 0 Haiti – Hélio Prates da Silveira Stadium, in Brasília – Friendly

Goals: Paulo Cézar Caju, Rivellino, Marinho Chagas and Edu

2) 08/18/2004 – Brazil 6 x 0 Haiti – Sylvio Cator Stadium, in Port-au-Prince – Peace Game

Goals: Ronaldinho Gaúcho (3), Roger (2) and Nilmar

3) 06/08/2016 – Brazil 7 x 1 Haiti – Camping World Stadium, in Orlando – Copa América Centenario

Goals: Philippe Coutinho (3), Renato Augusto (2), Gabriel Barbosa and Lucas Lima

Check out more photos from the Peace Game:

Haitians welcomed the Brazil national team in Port-au-Prince with a great celebrationCredits: CBF Archive

In 2004, the Peace Game between Brazil and Haiti transcended football Credits: CBF Archive

Roberto Carlos watches the crowd of Haitians who welcomed the Brazil national team for the Peace Game in 2004Credits: CBF Archive

Haitians welcomed the Brazil national team in Port-au-Prince with a great celebration for the Peace GameCredits: CBF Archive

Haitians welcomed the Brazil national team in Port-au-Prince with a great celebrationCredits: FIFA

For the Peace Game, the national team went to Sylvio Cator Stadium, in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, in UN armored vehicles, accompanied by a crowd of HaitiansCredits: CBF Archive