Haiti national team goalkeeper Johny Placide has urged his squad to remain calm in order to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which, if it happens, would be the country's second appearance at the four-yearly tournament after 1974.
"One more step to the World Cup. We must remain calm and allow ourselves to compete without regrets," said Placide, as quoted on the FIFA website.
Placide, a veteran goalkeeper who has participated in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cup qualifiers, stressed that he never doubted the quality of his teammates.
If the Haitian national team is focused and calm, the 37-year-old is confident they can defeat their opponents.
This was proven when they managed to defeat the tough Costa Rica team, which made Haiti occupy second place in the temporary standings of Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.
Haiti is level on points with league leaders Honduras, with eight points from five matches. Haiti (+1) is only behind Honduras (+3) on goal difference.
This means that if they win against Nicaragua while Honduras loses to Costa Rica in their other match in Group C, Haiti will advance to the 2026 World Cup.
"If we go to the World Cup, it will be a source of pride for the nation, not just for us. For the younger generation, it will be a new perspective. But we're not there yet. Anything can happen," Placide said.
The Haiti versus Nicaragua match will take place at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, Willemstad, Curacao, even though Haiti is the host.
The match could not be held in Haiti due to security reasons.
"Not playing at home is a huge disappointment. It's a loss. But we're still fighting for the Haitian people, who have always supported us. We might become the first team to qualify for the World Cup without playing at home in qualifying," said Placide.