A historic return after 52 years
The Haiti Men's National Team, known as Les Grenadiers, will step onto the world stage for the first time since 1974 when they open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Scotland at Boston Stadium on June 11. The match marks a symbolic milestone for a nation whose football heritage has long been overshadowed by political and economic challenges.
From May 24 to June 8 the squad will train at the voco Sandpiper All‑Inclusive Resort in Port St. Lucie, Florida, a base that also serves as a launchpad for two preparatory friendlies against New Zealand and Peru in South Florida. The itinerary also includes a brief stint at a training facility in New Jersey before the team flies to Boston for the opening game.
Key figures in the squad include forwards Duckens Nazon, Don Deedson Louicius and Frantzdy Pierrot, the latter born in Cap‑Haïtien but raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, and midfielder Jean‑Ricner Bellegarde, who brings Premier League experience from his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Their diverse backgrounds reflect a diaspora‑driven resurgence that has energized Haitian communities across the United States.
The group stage draw places Haiti in Group C alongside Scotland, Brazil and Morocco, a lineup that promises competitive encounters and heightened visibility for the team's ambitions. While the schedule is demanding, the coaching staff emphasizes tactical discipline and collective cohesion as the foundation for any surprise results.
Beyond the pitch, the tournament will showcase partnerships with major sports apparel brands such as Nike, Adidas and Puma, which have supplied the squad with kit and equipment. These collaborations not only provide resources but also help raise the profile of Haitian football on a global stage.