Haiti has unveiled its 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde headlining a group determined to make an impact on the global stage. The Caribbean nation, making only its second World Cup appearance after a 52-year hiatus, will open their Group C campaign against Scotland on June 13.
The squad announcement marks the culmination of a remarkable qualifying journey for Haiti, who topped their Concacaf qualifying group despite not playing a single home match on home soil. Due to a severe security crisis in the country, all of Haiti's "home" fixtures were contested at neutral venues, yet the team defied the odds to book a ticket to North America 2026.
Leading the line in qualifying was Duckens Nazon, Haiti's all-time leading scorer with 44 goals in 76 international appearances. The 31-year-old striker will once again be the focal point of an attack that also includes Isidor, who has found form at Sunderland, and Frantzdy Pierrot of Caykur Rizespor. Nazon's goal-scoring prowess was crucial in edging out regional rivals in a tightly contested group.
The inclusion of Isidor and Bellegarde underscores the growing European influence in the Haitian squad. Isidor, 24, has impressed in the English Football League, while Bellegarde has been a regular in the Premier League with Wolves. Their experience in top-tier environments adds a layer of technical quality and tactical discipline that coach Gabriel Calderón will hope to leverage.
Bellegarde, a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, offers both defensive cover and late runs into the penalty area. His ability to transition play could be vital against the high-pressing systems they'll face. Isidor, meanwhile, provides pace and directness in the final third, complementing Nazon's predatory instincts.
The defensive unit features a mix of experience and emerging talent. Johnny Placide, the 36-year-old goalkeeper, brings leadership and has been a mainstay for French club Bastia. In front of him, Ricardo Adé (LDU Quito) and Hannes Delcroix (Lugano) form a central partnership that balances physicality and composure. Full-backs Carlens Arcus (Angers) and Wilguens Pauguain (Zulte Waregem) provide width and energy.
Haiti's Group C presents a formidable challenge. After the opener against Scotland—a team known for its physical style and passionate support—they face five-time champions Brazil, arguably the tournament's most decorated nation. The group stage concludes with a clash against Morocco, who reached the semi-finals in 2022 and boast a generation of technically gifted players.
For Haiti, simply reaching the World Cup is a historic achievement that transcends sport. The nation's only previous appearance came in 1974 in West Germany, where they failed to advance past the group stage. This time, the team carries the hopes of a country grappling with political instability and economic hardship. A strong showing could unify the nation and inspire a new generation of footballers.
The selection of players from diverse leagues—from MLS to the Iranian Pro League—speaks to the global diaspora of Haitian talent. This squad is a blend of locally developed players and those who trace their roots to the island. The World Cup offers a platform to showcase this talent and potentially attract investment into Haiti's football infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Haiti's preparation will likely include warm-up matches against similar-profile opponents to fine-tune tactics. Coach Calderón must find a balance between defensive solidity and attacking ambition, especially given the firepower of Brazil and Morocco. Set pieces and Nazon's finishing could be key areas of focus.
While expectations remain modest, the squad's resilience in qualifying suggests they won't be pushovers. If they can replicate the organization and spirit that saw them through Concacaf, they could spring a surprise against Scotland in the opener—a match that will already be historic as Haiti's first World Cup fixture in over five decades.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
