Willemstad, Curaçao — September 5, 2025 In a historic moment for Haitian football, the national team, known affectionately as the Grenadiers, takes to the field this Friday at 8:00 p.m. local (and Port-au-Prince) time to face Honduras at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. This is their first match in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 44 years after their previous appearance in 1981.
Why the Long Absence?
Haiti’s absence from the final qualifying stage stems from a combination of factors:
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Competitive struggles: Post-1981, Haiti frequently fell short during early qualifying rounds, never managing to progress to the decisive stage.
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Political and institutional instability: Ongoing domestic turbulence negatively impacted player development, federation infrastructure, and team consistency.
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Natural disasters: The devastating 2010 earthquake destroyed much of Haiti’s sports infrastructure and claimed the lives of many key figures within the football community.
Through adversity, the team has rebuilt, often drawing strength and talent from the Haitian diaspora—to reclaim its place on the continental stage.
What’s at Stake
Haiti is drawn into Group C alongside Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while top second-place teams enter inter-confederation playoffs.
Upcoming Matches (Haiti Schedule)
| Match Date | Opponent | Venue Type | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Sep 5, 2025 | Honduras | Neutral (Curaçao) | 8:00 p.m. |
| Tue, Sep 9, 2025 | Costa Rica | Away | 10:00 p.m. |
| Thu, Oct 9, 2025 | Nicaragua | Away | 8:00 p.m. |
| Mon, Oct 13, 2025 | Honduras | Away | 8:00 p.m. |
| Thu, Nov 13, 2025 | Costa Rica | Home | 7:00 p.m. |
| Tue, Nov 18, 2025 | Nicaragua | Home | 8:00 p.m. |
(Exact kickoff times for away matches depend on broadcast schedules.)
Broadcast & Coverage
Fans in the United States can catch the action via Paramount+ and the CBS Sports Golazo Network.
What This Means for Haiti
Haiti’s return to the final qualifying phase is more than just a football campaign, it signals national pride, resilience, and reinvigoration. After decades of strife, a country unites behind its team. Players, fans, and diaspora communities around the world stand ready to support this defining journey.
Grenadiers, rise! History is now within reach.
