Sarah Etienne also contributed to this article.
Four long awaited years have passed for excited soccer fans as the 2026 World Cup has sprung into action with friendly matches between the qualified national teams.
With their determination and strength, the Haiti soccer team has surprised the soccer fandom with their qualification for the World Cup, which has not been done by their country since 1974.
The team put in massive amounts of practice and energy into the sport which vastly worked out in their favor as they came out on top in the match against New Zealand.
The match took place on Tuesday, June 2nd at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The team secured a score of 4-0.The game highlighted #12Ruben Providence, #51Lenny Joseph, #62 Frantzdy Pierrot, and #87Duke Lacroix. Each of them scored a goal, resulting in a blowout against their opponent.
This win has filled the Haitian community with excitement, pride, and astonishment. Sophomore Larielle Leconte enthusiastically expressed, “I’m happy that we are in the World Cup because it’s been years, years coming,” she continued, “I don’t think any of us expected it at all.”
This match is a big improvement and great start for the Haitian soccer team. Sophomore Marquis Paul was hugely satisfied with the win and hopeful that this game is what they needed to succeed. “This game will give them the momentum and help them build confidence moving forward,” Paul hopes.
Even though Haiti is on a good path, there is no telling what the outcome will be as the matches progress. What matters to all of the Haitian fans is that they have finally participated in the tournament which is what their nation believes to be one of their greatest achievements.
Overall, the game was entertaining and made many of the fans overjoyed. RISE teacher, Wiston Jeune concluded, “Haiti in the World Cup for us is a win!”
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