In a rare moment of unity and joy, Haiti erupted in celebrations as its national football team secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup, marking their first appearance on the global stage in over five decades. The streets of Port-au-Prince and other cities like Cap-Haitien and Miragoane were filled with fireworks, music, and dancing, offering a temporary escape from the pervasive gang violence that has plagued the nation. Even notorious gang leader Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherisier, head of the Viv Ansanm coalition, was seen joining the festivities, a stark contrast to his recent call for residents to stay indoors due to escalating tensions. The Grenadiers, as the team is known, clinched their qualification with a 2-0 victory over Nicaragua in Curacao, where they were forced to play their home matches due to security concerns in Haiti. Despite the jubilation, challenges remain for Haitian fans, as a U.S. travel ban imposed under the Trump administration may prevent them from attending the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.