Haiti Qualify for 2026 World Cup with Coach Who Never Visited Country
Haiti has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup after defeating Nicaragua 2-0. This marks only their second World Cup qualification, a significant achievement considering the unique circumstances surrounding their coach.
Coach Who Has Never Visited Haiti
Sebastien Migne, a 52-year-old French coach, has never set foot in Haiti since his appointment 18 months ago. Due to ongoing conflict in the country, the national team has been forced to play its home matches 500 miles away in Curacao, a Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela.
The instability in Haiti, exacerbated by the devastating earthquake in 2010, has left the nation in turmoil. Armed gangs control much of Port-au-Prince, leading to widespread displacement, with approximately 1.3 million people affected. This situation has also triggered famine-level hunger in the region.
Travel Warnings and Training Challenges
- Travel advisories caution against visiting Haiti due to high risks of kidnapping and civil unrest.
- Migne stated, “It’s impossible because it’s too dangerous,” highlighting the lack of international flights to the country.
- He has relied on communication with officials from the Haitian Football Federation for player management.
Team Composition and Future Aspirations
The Haitian squad consists of foreign-based players, including Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, a midfielder from Wolves. They hope to also recruit Wilson Isidor from Sunderland, who has Haitian heritage. Despite the challenges, over half of the team comprises players born in Haiti.
Haiti’s victory not only qualifies them for the summer World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico but is also a notable return since their last appearance in 1974. The team’s historical participation was marked by losses against Italy, Poland, and Argentina in the first round.
Concacaf Region Qualifiers
Haiti will be joined in the World Cup by Panama, who defeated El Salvador 3-0, and Curacao, a first-time qualifier after a draw with Jamaica. This upcoming World Cup will be an opportunity for Haiti to showcase their resilience and growth amidst adversity.
