Haiti announces its 2026 World Cup squad | OneFootball

Haiti have announced their 26-man World Cup squad, becoming the first team in Group C to officially reveal the players who have made the cut. With Brazil, Morocco and Scotland their opponents in North America this summer, Haiti certainly have their work cut out, that much is certain.

Will they manage to pull off any sort of an upset against that trio, however? After all, this is the Caribbean nation’s second ever World Cup appearance; their first since 1974.

Their qualification for the tournament is made even more remarkable considering Haiti hasn’t played a home match in five years.

Rampant internal conflict in the country means Haiti have played matches in the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Aruba and Curaçao since. In 2024, gangs overran the Stade Sylvio Cator (Haiti’s national stadium) and a statement was released by the Haitian federation confirming that it had lost possession of the stadium.

That just adds another layer of intrigue surrounding Haiti, and it could ensure they are a nation that will be cheered on by neutrals everywhere across their three group games.

Fully half the squad is made up of those playing in lower leagues, such the French second-tier and the USL Championship. But there are three MLS players, plus two Premier League players who made the cut: Wilson Isidor (Sunderland) and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves).

Haiti’s World Cup Fixtures

Haiti vs Scotland – Sunday, June 14 at 2 amBrazil vs Haiti – Saturday, June 20 at 1.30 amMorocco vs Haiti – Wednesday, June 24 at 11 pm

First up for Haiti is a clash against Scotland at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. Although massive underdogs ahead of their first World Cup match in 52 years, if they can avoid defeat, it will give them plenty of confidence ahead of their last two games.

Up next are Brazil. Depending on the result against Scotland, a defeat to the South Americans will all but end their lofty ambitions of making it into the knockout stages.

The clash against Morocco is Haiti’s final game in group C, and it could be an interesting battle, especially if both teams still have plenty to play for.

Haiti’s World Cup History

The Caribbean nation has only played once at this tournament, qualifying for the 1974 edition held in West Germany. It proved to be a harrowing experience, as Haiti lost all three group games, scoring just twice in the process.

Surprisingly, they took the lead against Italy during the opening match, yet went on to lose 3-1.

More agony followed in the second match, as Poland thrashed the debutants 7-0 in Munich. Emmanuel Sanon found the net once again, this time against Argentina in game three, but it proved to be a mere consolation in the end as the South American nation won 4-1.

Picking up their first points at the World Cup is surely the main aim this time around.

Key Players to Watch Out For

Wilson Isidor switched allegiances from France to Haiti ahead of the friendlies in March, and he will be their main attacking threat this summer. The Sunderland striker scored against Iceland in just his second appearance for Haiti and has six Premier League goals to his name this season.

While many of the squad are relatively unknown and could spring a surprise or two, Isidor could offer that bit of quality in the final third.

Elsewhere, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is another squad member with plenty of Premier League experience. Indeed, the midfielder has made 83 appearances in the English top flight With Wolverhampton, registering 14 goal contributions throughout that period.

He ranks in the top 10% when compared to his positional peers for successful dribble percentage (60%) and for duels won (55.6%) this season.

Bellegarde, like Isidor, was born in France, but he now has eight caps for Haiti and could be a key figure at the heart of the midfield this summer.

Full Squad