In the sweltering heat of Doha’s Aspire Zone, Haiti’s U-17 men’s national soccer team affectionately known as the Grenadiers kicked off their 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup journey with determination and flashes of brilliance, despite a 4–1 defeat to Egypt in their Group E opener.
This appearance marks only the third time in history that Haiti has competed in the tournament, a testament to the enduring resilience of a youth program that continues to rise despite years of challenges and instability back home.
Haiti’s road to Qatar began earlier this year in February 2025, during the Concacaf U-17 qualifiers in Guatemala City. Under the guidance of head coach Eddy César, the young squad many of whom had not played consistent club football in over three years due to Haiti’s socio-political turmoil defied all expectations. The team dominated Group E, delivering a 5–0 victory over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a 3–1 win over Antigua and Barbuda, and a decisive 2–0 shutout of host nation Guatemala.
Now competing in FIFA’s newly expanded 48-team format, the Grenadiers find themselves in a challenging Group E alongside England, Venezuela, and Egypt. The format advances the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers into the Round of 32 knockout stage, raising the stakes for every match.
Their opening match against Egypt was a baptism by fire. Egypt’s Belal Attia opened the scoring just three minutes in, setting the tone for a fast-paced encounter. Though Haiti fought hard and showcased the skill that brought them this far, Egypt’s clinical finishing proved decisive.
With the opener now behind them, the Grenadiers will shift their focus to England on November 7 and Venezuela on November 10, two pivotal matches that could define their campaign. A strong performance in either could position Haiti for a historic advance into the knockout rounds.
As the FIFA U-17 World Cup unfolds through November 27, culminating at Khalifa International Stadium, all eyes remain on whether Haiti’s young Grenadiers can reignite their qualifying magic and inspire a new chapter in Caribbean football history.
