In a stunning display of determination and skill, Haiti’s U-17 national football team has secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2026 following a thrilling 2-1 victory against Guatemala. The decisive match, held on February 10, 2026, at Guatemala City’s Cementos Prograso Stadium, culminated an impressive qualifying campaign that saw the young Grenadiers dominate their group with a perfect record.
Facing tournament hosts Guatemala, who led Group C entering the final matchday, Haiti’s squad demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure. Coach Kowsky Sainvil made strategic adjustments to the starting lineup, introducing Danrick Dalce and Macenat K. Prophète while maintaining the core that had delivered previous victories.
The match began with intense offensive pressure from Guatemala, but Haiti’s Sonson Jean-Baptiste stunned the home crowd in the 7th minute with a perfectly placed header from a Miguel Joseph free kick. Guatemala responded quickly, equalizing just four minutes later through Patrick Arana’s close-range header.
Undeterred, Jean-Baptiste delivered again in the 22nd minute, scoring what would become the match-winning goal with a precise right-footed shot from the center of the penalty area. Despite sustained pressure from Guatemala throughout the second half, Haiti’s defense held firm, preserving their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The victory marks Haiti’s second consecutive qualification for the U-17 World Cup, demonstrating the program’s growing strength in international youth football. Haiti finished the qualifying stage with a perfect record of three wins, scoring 11 goals while conceding only two. Their performance places them atop Group C with nine points, ahead of Guatemala (6 points), Antigua & Barbuda (3 points), and Grenada (0 points).