From Charlottesville to the World Stage
Two former University of Virginia soccer standouts are set to make their mark on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, each earning a spot on national teams that will contest the tournament’s opening edition in North America.
Derrick Etienne Jr., who starred for the Cavaliers in 2015 before turning professional, now lines up for Haiti. The forward has amassed 40 goals across 325 club appearances and earned 51 caps for the Haitian senior side, most recently playing for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.
His World Cup group places Haiti against Scotland, Brazil and Morocco, a tough trio that will test the team’s resolve. Etienne’s experience in both North American and international competition positions him as a key attacking outlet for the Haitians.
Joe Bell Jr. also shares a Cavaliers pedigree, having played for Virginia from 2017 to 2019 before embarking on a professional journey in New Zealand. The midfielder has logged 38 appearances for the All Whites, scoring once on the international stage.
New Zealand’s draw pits them against Iran, Egypt and Belgium, a group that promises competitive matches. Bell’s adaptability in the New Zealand league and his collegiate tactical foundation could prove decisive as the squad seeks to advance.
Both players illustrate the growing pipeline from American college soccer to global competition, a trend that reflects the increasing visibility of the sport in the United States. Their upcoming World Cup campaigns will be followed closely by fans who remember their collegiate exploits at the University of Virginia.
The University of Virginia and Toronto FC, the professional club currently employing Etienne, are among the organizations highlighted in this story. Their roles underscore the intertwined nature of academic, professional and international soccer pathways.