In a remarkable display of sporting excellence, Haiti’s Under-17 national football team has secured qualification for the 2026 Qatar World Cup following a decisive 2-1 victory over Guatemala. The achievement marks a perfect qualifying campaign with three consecutive wins, during which the young Grenadiers scored eleven goals while conceding only two.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé officially congratulated the team, highlighting how their performance demonstrates exceptional talent, discipline, and national pride. This qualification represents the second consecutive appearance for Haiti’s U-17 squad in the World Cup tournament, underscoring the consistency of Haitian football talent on the international stage.
The achievement places Haiti among an elite group of nations that have qualified for multiple FIFA tournaments across different categories, including Men’s Senior World Cup (1974, 2026), Women’s Senior World Cup (2023), Women’s U-20 World Cup (2010), and Boys’ U-17 World Cup (2007, 2019, 2025, and now 2026).
Government officials emphasized that this sporting success transcends athletics, serving as a powerful symbol of national resilience and potential. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security, strengthening institutions, and fostering national unity—conditions identified as essential for enabling Haitian youth to continue achieving international excellence.
The qualification has been celebrated as an act of faith in Haiti’s future and a demonstration of the nation’s ability to triumph despite historical challenges and hardships.