In a spectacular display of offensive prowess, Haiti’s U-17 national football team launched their FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 qualifying campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Grenada on February 5, 2026. The match, held at Guatemala City’s Cementos Prograso Stadium, showcased the formidable talent of the Caribbean squad known as ‘Les Grenadiers.’
Under the strategic guidance of Coach Kowsky Sainvil, Haiti fielded a starting lineup featuring several players who had previously gained international experience during the last World Cup in Qatar. The team composition demonstrated a blend of domestic talent from Haitian academies and overseas-developed players from Jamaican football institutions.
Match proceedings began decisively when Emerson Laïsse converted a penalty kick in the 10th minute, placing a precise right-footed shot into the bottom left corner. The momentum continued as Marvenly Exilas doubled Haiti’s advantage in the 24th minute with a close-range finish, assisted by Laïsse.
Grenada momentarily narrowed the deficit in the 25th minute when Cogan Dowden unleashed an extraordinary right-footed strike from over 35 meters that found the center of the goal. However, Exilas quickly reestablished Haiti’s two-goal cushion with his second score in the 33rd minute, capitalizing on an assist from Jhon-Widy Belton.
The second half witnessed continued Haitian dominance as Exilas completed his hat trick in the 65th minute with a left-footed shot from the penalty area center, again facilitated by Laïsse’s playmaking. Substitute Macenat Prophète delivered the final blow in the 91st minute, connecting with a header from Sonson Jean-Baptiste’s cross to seal the comprehensive 5-1 triumph.
The victory positions Haiti favorably in Group C standings alongside Guatemala, who also secured three points in their opening match. Haiti’s upcoming fixtures include confrontations with Antigua and Barbuda on February 7 and host nation Guatemala on February 10, which will prove crucial for advancement to the World Cup tournament.