It has been 52 years since Haiti’s men’s national football team last qualified for the FIFA World Cup, and the small Caribbean nation’s long-awaited return to the global tournament has already captured the imagination of millions of Haitian fans at home and across the diaspora. As the team – nicknamed the Grenadiers – prepared to kick off its first group stage match against Scotland on June 13, 2026, followed by upcoming fixtures against global powerhouses Brazil and Morocco, the top American diplomat in Port-au-Prince extended a message of warm congratulations and well wishes.
Ambassador Henry Wooster, the United States Chargé d’Affaires in Haiti, released a public statement honoring the national team’s historic milestone, highlighting the far-reaching significance of the achievement beyond the pitch. “This is a moment of great pride for Haiti. After more than five decades, Haiti is back on one of the biggest stages in world football, inspiring millions of people both at home and abroad,” Wooster said in his address.
The ambassador emphasized that the current squad, a new generation of Haitian football talent, earned their spot in the 2026 tournament through relentless effort, collective dedication, and unwavering belief in their shared goal. For a nation that has navigated ongoing political instability, economic hardship, and widespread social challenges in recent years, Wooster noted that the team’s success stands as a powerful symbol of Haitian perseverance, resilience, and collective national identity.
“This achievement goes far beyond football. It represents a celebration of perseverance, resilience, and national pride. This team embodies the aspirations and dreams of an entire nation that continues to move forward with courage, despite the challenges it faces,” he added.
On behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Wooster extended congratulations to every person who contributed to the team’s historic qualification: the players who trained and competed for years, the coaching staff that built a cohesive and competitive squad, the families that supported the athletes through every setback, and the passionate fans that never lost faith in their national team.
Addressing the Grenadiers directly, the envoy urged the team to compete with confidence, carry their national flag with pride, and savor every moment of their once-in-a-lifetime World Cup journey. “We wish Haiti the greatest success. May you inspire young people across the country to dream big, work with determination, and never give up,” Wooster closed his statement with the rallying cry “Grenadye alaso!” – Go Grenadiers!