As the days inexorably advance toward the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Haitian Football Federation has unveiled the official list of 26 players selected to proudly defend the colors of the Grenadiers. The squad chosen by national coach Sébastien Migné is composed almost entirely of expatriates playing in Europe and the Americas—a talent pool that embodies the renewal of Haitian football on the international stage.
A solid defense and seasoned goalkeepers
In goal, the competition will be fierce. Johny Placide (SC Bastia), a former French Ligue 1 player, stands out as the favorite thanks to his experience and his ability to make decisive saves under pressure. He will nonetheless have to contend with Alexandre Pierre (FC Sochaux) and Josué Duverger (FC Cosmos Koblenz), two ambitious keepers who have nothing to envy him.
The defensive sector features several battle-hardened players. Carlens Arcus (Angers SCO) is a recurring pillar of the national team, known for his attacking runs and one-on-one duels. He will be supported by Martin Expérience (AS Nancy-Lorraine), whose name seems predestined for high-level competition, and by the solid Ricardo Adé (LDU Quito), a champion in Ecuador and an impenetrable rock in the Copa Sudamericana. The presence of Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs), Wilguens Paugain, Jean Kévin Duverne (KAA Gent), Hannes Delcroix, and Keeto Thermoncy also offers strong physical and tactical guarantees.
A competitive and experienced midfield
Haiti’s midfield promises to be particularly competitive. It features players competing in demanding leagues such as Jean Ricner Bellegarde, who wears the colors of Wolverhampton in the Premier League. His technique, vision, and ability to eliminate opponents in the final third will be major assets. Alongside him, Leverton Pierre (FC Vizela), Woodensky Pierre, Josué Casimir, and Carl-Fred Sainté (El Paso Locomotive FC) bring density and a valuable ability to win back possession, while Danley Jean-Jacques (Philadelphia Union) represents MLS experience, with several high-intensity seasons under his belt. Dominique Simon, another stalwart, completes this well-crafted midfield.
A plentiful and incisive attacking line
In attack, the coach can count on a wealth of offensive options: Duckens Nazon, Frantzdy Pierrot, Deedson Louicius, Ruben Providence, Yassin Fortuné, Wilson Isidor, Lenny Joseph, and Derrick Etienne Jr. With such an arsenal, Haiti clearly displays its ambitions. The mix of young talents (like Yassin Fortuné of FC Vizela) and seasoned veterans (Dominique Simon, Frantzdy Pierrot) suggests a team capable of holding its own against the group’s heavyweights.
Haiti’s three first-round challenges: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland
Drawn into what is unquestionably one of the toughest groups in the competition, Haiti will have to surpass itself to hope to make a respectable showing. Here are the details of the three matches awaiting the Grenadiers.
1. Haiti vs Scotland (Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Boston Stadium)
For their opening match, the Grenadiers will face Scotland, in what shapes up as the only realistic hope of points for both nations. The Scots, carried by their massive traveling support, rely on physical play, dangerous set pieces (with Scott McTominay or John McGinn), and a rugged defense. This is the most balanced match on paper. Haiti will need to match the physical intensity and impose its technical game. The Grenadiers have a chance: their transition speed and Bellegarde’s creativity could hurt a Scottish defense that is sometimes slow to reorganize its block. A draw or a narrow victory (1-0, 2-1) is not out of reach.
2. Brazil vs Haiti (Thursday, June 19, 2026, at Philadelphia Stadium)
In their second match, Haiti will face the five-time world champions Brazil. This clash with the Seleção is both a nightmare and an absolute dream for any emerging nation. With their stars, Brazil will logically go in as favorites. Haiti’s challenge will above all be to resist collectively, defend deep, and attempt to strike on quick counter-attacks. A narrow defeat would already be an honorable performance against one of the best nations in the world.
3. Morocco vs Haiti (Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Atlanta Stadium)
The final group match carries a special dimension. Morocco, semifinalists at the last World Cup, have become a model for African nations and the diaspora. Facing players like Achraf Hakimi or Sofyan Amrabat, Haiti will need to demonstrate even greater defensive solidity than against Brazil. This is a duel between Morocco’s organized football and Haiti’s spontaneity. If the Grenadiers manage to withstand the physical battle and avoid conceding an early goal, they could hope for a tight scoreline, or even a historic upset.
The dream of a better showing
The Grenadiers know that every match will be a battle. Facing an extremely tough group—Brazil, Morocco, Scotland—any mistake will be punished dearly. Yet, with a squad this strong on paper, enriched by European experience and the energy of young talents, the dream of a better performance in this second World Cup appearance (after 1974) is more alive than ever. The Haitian people, known for their unmatched fervor, now await to see their warriors turn this fine squad into results on the pitch. Let the battle begin.
The complete 26-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Johny Placide, Alexandre Pierre, Josué Duverger
Defenders: Carlens Arcus, Wilguens Paugain, Ricardo Adé, Jean Kévin Duverne, Hannes Delcroix, Keeto Thermoncy, Martin Expérience, Duke Lacroix
Midfielders: Dominique Simon, Leverton Pierre, Woodensky Pierre, Carl Fred Sainté, Danley Jean-Jacques, Josué Casimir, Jean Ricner Bellegarde
Attackers: Duckens Nazon, Frantzdy Pierrot, Deedson Louicius, Ruben Providence, Yassin Fortuné, Wilson Isidor, Lenny Joseph, Derrick Etienne Jr.
