The Haitian national football team still has hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
In their second match of the final round, played at Costa Rica’s National Stadium, the Grenadiers held their ground against the Ticos, earning a spectacular 3-3 draw on Tuesday night. The result was made possible by an inspired Duckens Nazon, who delivered a memorable hat trick.
The match lived up to expectations with a dramatic storyline. Haiti struggled through the first half, conceding twice—once in the opening minute and again in the 35th—heading into halftime with a daunting deficit.
Outpaced and outmuscled early on, the Grenadiers appeared headed for a heavy defeat.
But after the break, the game’s momentum shifted entirely.
Led by a determined Nazon, Haiti mounted a stunning comeback. The star forward cut the deficit in the 55th minute, then leveled the score with a brilliant solo effort just three minutes later. With less than five minutes left in regulation, he completed his hat trick, putting Haiti in front and silencing the Costa Rican crowd.
Costa Rica rescues a point in stoppage time
Just as Haiti’s upset seemed certain, the Ticos salvaged a result in the dying moments.
In the 90th+1 minute, defender Juan Pablo Vargas broke through to equalize, sparing Costa Rica from humiliation at home. The late goal denied Haiti what would have been a famous victory and left the visitors frustrated after coming so close to pulling off a remarkable feat on the road.
A tight race in Group B
With the draw, Costa Rica maintains second place in Group B behind Honduras, thanks to a superior attack. Haiti remains third, level on goal difference with the Ticos.
Nevertheless, the result keeps the Grenadiers firmly in the qualification race. Their ability to rally back in such an intense match demonstrates a strengthened mentality and growing team cohesion.
Though the late equalizer was a bitter pill to swallow, the contest will be remembered for Duckens Nazon’s extraordinary performance.
His hat trick against a formidable opponent underscored his status as Haiti’s undisputed leader and sent a clear message to future rivals.
Backed by a passionate and sizable diaspora, the Grenadiers continue to chase their historic dream of reaching the World Cup through the CONCACAF qualifiers.
The next match looms large: Haiti must build on this offensive resurgence while tightening its defense to avoid heartbreak in the closing minutes once again.
