Haiti return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 — a gap of 52 years that makes this one of the most emotionally significant stories of the entire tournament. Every single player in the 26-man squad named by manager Sébastien Migné will be making their World Cup debut, representing a nation where football is deeply felt and where this qualification has been celebrated as a moment of national pride.
Captain Johny Placide leads the group, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde — the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder — and striker Duckens Nazon are among the most recognisable names at club level.
Group C: Brazil · Haiti · Morocco · Scotland
Opening match: Haiti vs Scotland — 13 June 2026, Group C opener
Full Squad
| Player | Position | Club | Previous World Cups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johny Placide | Goalkeeper | Bastia | 0 |
| Alexandre Pierre | Goalkeeper | — | 0 |
| Josue Duverger | Goalkeeper | — | 0 |
| Carlens Arcus | Defender | — | 0 |
| Wilguens Paugain | Defender | — | 0 |
| Duke Lacroix | Defender | — | 0 |
| JK Duverne | Defender | — | 0 |
| Ricardo Adé | Defender | — | 0 |
| Hannes Delcroix | Defender | — | 0 |
| Keeto Thermoncy | Defender | — | 0 |
| Martin Experience | Defender | — | 0 |
| Leverton Pierre | Midfielder | — | 0 |
| Carl-Fred Sainte | Midfielder | — | 0 |
| Danley Jean-Jacques | Midfielder | — | 0 |
| Jean-Ricner Bellegarde | Midfielder | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 0 |
| Woodensky Pierre | Midfielder | — | 0 |
| Simon Dominique | Midfielder | — | 0 |
| Louicius Deedson | Forward | — | 0 |
| Ruben Providence | Forward | — | 0 |
| Josue Casimir | Forward | — | 0 |
| Derrick Etienne | Forward | — | 0 |
| Wilson Isidor | Forward | — | 0 |
| Duckens Nazon | Forward | Esteghlal | 0 |
| Frantzdy Pierrot | Forward | — | 0 |
| Yassin Fortune | Forward | — | 0 |
| Lenny Joseph | Forward | — | 0 |
Key Players to Watch
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is the headline name in the squad. The Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder has established himself in the Premier League and brings genuine top-level experience to a group that will rely on him to be a creative and combative presence at the heart of Haiti's play.
Johny Placide has long been one of the most experienced figures in Haitian football. The Bastia goalkeeper will be the last line of defence in what promises to be a group with significant offensive opposition. His experience managing the team from the back will be critical.
Duckens Nazon is among the most prolific strikers Haiti has produced in recent years. His stint with Esteghlal and his goals at CONCACAF level make him the focal point of Haiti's attacking threat. In a group with Brazil and Morocco, creating any chance at all will be his challenge.
Group Stage Outlook
Group C is one of the toughest draws any team could receive. Brazil are one of the favourites for the entire tournament. Morocco are AFCON champions and have a squad built for knockout football. Scotland are well-drilled and competitive.
Haiti's realistic goal is to be competitive, represent themselves with pride and give their supporters moments to celebrate. A win or a draw against Scotland in the opening game would be a genuinely historic result.
The 52-year wait to return to the World Cup is itself the story. But Migné and his players have spoken about wanting to be respected opponents, not just participants. How they respond to the pressure of the opening game will define the tone of their tournament.
The 52-Year Wait
When Haiti last played at a World Cup in West Germany in 1974, the tournament had only 16 participants. Football was a different sport, played in a different world. That a nation with Haiti's resources, history and challenges has returned to the biggest stage in football is a remarkable achievement.
For an entire generation of Haitian children and teenagers, this squad will be the first they ever see at a World Cup. That matters far beyond what happens on the pitch.
FAQ
When did Haiti last qualify for the World Cup before 2026?
Haiti last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 1974 in West Germany — 52 years before the 2026 tournament.
Who is Haiti's manager at the 2026 World Cup?
Sébastien Migné, a French coach who has managed several African national teams and has been in charge of Haiti's national setup.
Who are Haiti's key players at the 2026 World Cup?
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal) are among the best-known players in the squad internationally.
When do Haiti play their first game at the 2026 World Cup?
Haiti open their campaign against Scotland on 13 June 2026.