Optimism sweeps across Haiti. After the Grenadiers claimed a crucial 1–0 victory over Costa Rica on Thursday night, Haitian supporters see the prospect of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as more attainable than ever.
On the streets of the Haitian capital on Friday morning, joy and pride were unmistakable. Supporters didn’t hide their excitement and praised a team that showed extraordinary heart. “Now everything is possible for the last match,” several fans said.
This victory is the result of skill, not luck. From the opening minutes at Costa Rica’s national stadium, Haiti sets the tempo. Johnny Placide, the AS Bastia goalkeeper, issues the first warning early, producing a decisive save in the 6th minute by tipping the ball out for a corner—an early message that the Grenadiers came to fight.
Backed by a solid defense and an assertive midfield, Haiti took control of the match. Frantzdy Pierrot, set up by Jean Ricner Bellegarde, forced Keylor Navas into a superb save in the 15th minute.
Five minutes later, Bellegarde tested Navas again with a curling effort. This confirmed Haiti’s growing dominance.
The breakthrough erupted just before halftime. After Josué Casimir and Ruben Providence exchanged sharp passes, Providence whipped in a perfect cross that Frantzdy Pierrot slammed into the net, outdueling the legendary Navas. The goal embodied the quality Haiti showcased throughout the first half of the season.
Placide, the Late-Game Hero
If the first half showcased Haiti’s attacking power, the second half highlighted their defensive resilience. Under heavy Costa Rican pressure, Johnny Placide turned into an impenetrable wall.
Key saves in the 50th, 75th, 87th, and even the 90th minute preserved Haiti’s slim lead. The goalkeeper single-handedly secured the win, keeping a clean sheet and delivering three crucial points.
The victory grows even sweeter thanks to an unexpected twist in the group’s other match: Honduras falls 2–0 to Nicaragua. The surprising result throws Haiti firmly back into the race.
The standings tighten dramatically: Honduras and Haiti each hold 8 points, with Honduras remaining in first place due to a better goal difference (+3 versus +1 for Haiti). Costa Rica follows with 6 points, while Nicaragua has 4.
Destiny in Their Hands… Almost
Everything will be decided on Tuesday, November 18, during the final matchday. For Haiti to qualify for the World Cup, two conditions must be met: Haiti must defeat Nicaragua in Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles, and Honduras must lose or draw against Costa Rica. If Costa Rica wins or draws against Honduras, Haiti will advance to the next round.
The mission stands clear, and the path beckons. Fueled by a nation that believes again, Haiti’s national team enters this decisive match knowing they have already accomplished a great deal. The victory over Costa Rica not only revives a dream—it sparks renewed confidence in seeing Haiti shine on football’s biggest global stage in 2026.
