Haiti is participating in the 2026 World Cup. This is the first time since 1974 that Haiti has been able to qualify, offering many Haitians a rare sense of hope. For many, it is a symbol of resilience in the face of the security challenge.
"Wearing this jersey is a message of hope that I send to each of the Grenadiers who will fight for us and for Haiti – a message to say that there is still life here and that we must continue to move forward, especially given the situation we are going through. We are living in very difficult conditions, but the Grenadiers have given us hope, and we must, in turn, give them hope," says Wilkerson Daromain, a resident of the capital.
As the event approaches, Haiti jerseys, flags, and t-shirts representing other favorite teams are generating increasing interest.
The country is in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland. Many Haitians hope the Grenadiers can pull off an upset.
"I would love to see Haiti reach the final. It is the dream of all Haitians to see the national team go that far," explains Philippe Guichard Paillant, a salesman.
But the qualification has already offered a brief moment of unity and optimism to a population plunged into uncertainty in the face of gangs active in the country.
