Overview:
Haiti earned its first win in the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, defeating Nicaragua 3–0 in Managua. With goals from Duckens Nazon, Danley Jean-Jacques, and Don Deedson Louicius—and key playmaking from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Josué Casimir—Les Grenadiers now top Group C on goal difference.
Haiti’s men’s national soccer team boosted its 2026 World Cup campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Nicaragua on Thursday at Estadio Nacional de Fútbol in Managua. The win marked Haiti’s first in the final qualifying round and lifted Les Grenadiers to the top of Group C, edging out Honduras on goal difference.
With goals from Duckens Nazon (12’), Danley Jean-Jacques (35’) and Don Deedson Louicius (90+2’), Haiti recorded its first win in the final qualifying round. This victory marked a crucial step for Haiti toward regaining regional momentum for a second World Cup appearance after 52 years.
Haiti opened the scoring in the 12th minute when newcomer Josué Casimir, making his senior start, beat his marker on the right flank and delivered a sharp, low cross into the area. A deflection found Nazon, who reacted quickly to tuck home from close range. The striker’s goal was his sixth in the campaign, extending his record as one of Haiti’s most consistent finishers.
Building on that early lead, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde controlled the tempo from midfield, using deft dribbles and precise passing to dictate play and frustrate the Nicaraguan defense. His vision set the tone for Haiti’s attacking rhythm.
At 35’, Bellegarde’s perfectly placed corner found Danley Jean-Jacques, who rose above his marker to head in Haiti’s second goal, giving Les Grenadiers a comfortable halftime advantage.
In stoppage time, Louicius put the result beyond doubt. Duke Lacroix drove down the left and sent a pinpoint delivery across goal for Louicius to finish with a composed left-footed strike in the 90+2’ minute.
Goalkeeper Johny Placide anchored the defense, making three key saves and earning a clean sheet—Les Grenadiers’ second in three games of the qualifiers.
The victory came despite grueling match conditions. About 20 minutes into the match, torrential rain soaked the synthetic pitch, making ball control and visibility difficult for both sides. Around the 29th minute, the stadium suffered a power outage due to lightning and thunder, plunging the field into darkness and forcing the referee to halt play.
Players from both teams were sent back to their locker rooms while technicians worked to restore the lights. After nearly an hour delay, the match resumed on a drenched field, with puddles forming across several areas of the pitch. Despite the chaos, Haiti’s composure and tactical discipline prevailed.
“The conditions were very challenging,” said a member of the Haitian technical staff after the game. “But the players stayed focused and adapted to every difficulty. It shows the resilience of this group.”
Standings, implications, context and outlook
The result moves Haiti to five points—tied with Honduras but ahead on goal difference—while Nicaragua remains bottom of the group with one point.
Both teams return to action Monday, with Haiti visiting Honduras and Nicaragua traveling to Costa Rica in the next round of the qualifiers.
This was Haiti’s third match in the CONCACAF final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After drawing 0–0 with Honduras and 3–3 with Costa Rica, this victory in Managua provided the breakthrough the team needed.
It also extended Haiti’s dominance in the head-to-head matchup against Nicaragua to six wins, two draws, and just one loss.
“The team has shown it can win on the road under pressure. The next matches will test whether this momentum can carry us toward our World Cup dreams.”
Head Coach Sébastien Migné
The win came amid difficult conditions, as several key Haitian players arrived late to camp due to travel challenges after playing their club’s league games with the roster being all-expats. Disruptions and ongoing insecurity back home have prevented call-ups from local clubs. Yet, under pressure, Les Grenadiers displayed unity and composure.
Head coach Sébastien Migné praised his team’s discipline and intensity, emphasizing that Haiti’s progress depends on consistency in the next fixtures.
Key performers and looking ahead for Les Grenadiers
- Duckens Nazon: Opened the scoring and led the front line with determination.
- Josué Casimir: Created the opener with a precise cross and relentless energy on the wing.
- Jean-Ricner Bellegarde: Dictated the tempo with tight ball control, dribbles and exquisite passes, assisting the second goal.
- Danley Jean-Jacques: Doubled the lead with an authoritative header.
- Don Deedson Louicius: Rounded off the victory with a clinical late finish.
- Johny Placide: Made key stops and earned a clean sheet to secure Haiti’s defense.
- Duke Lacroix: Tireless run on the left was rewarded with a precise delivery to the back post that Louicius scored Haiti’s third goal from.
With three matches left in the round, Haiti’s 3–0 victory puts the team in a strong position to challenge for one of the group’s top two spots, which would ensure progression to the next stage—or direct qualification—to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The win in Managua was not just about points—it was a reminder of Haiti’s potential. Against adversity and on foreign soil, Les Grenadiers showed the grit and flair that have long defined Haitian soccer.
“The team has shown it can win on the road under pressure. The next matches will test whether this momentum can carry them toward the World Cup dreams,” said Head Coach Sébastien Migné
The next test awaits Monday, Oct. 13, at 8:00 p.m. EST, in Honduras, where maintaining momentum will be vital to keeping their World Cup dream alive.
Like this:
Loading…
