In a strategic move to bolster its youth football program, the Haitian Football Federation (FHF) has announced the appointment of Cuban tactician Raúl Valentín González Triana as head coach of the U-20 men’s national team. This decision comes as Haiti prepares for the CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers, which serve as a gateway to three prestigious international tournaments: the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, the 2026 Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
González Triana, a 58-year-old former defender with extensive coaching experience, brings a proven track record of international success. He previously made history by qualifying Cuba’s U-20 team for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup—the country’s first appearance in the tournament. His technical staff will include Baltimore SC coach Ernso Datus as technical assistant and fellow Cuban José Manuel Morejón Rodríguez as physical conditioning coach.
The Haitian Grenadiers are positioned in Group D alongside Curaçao, Guyana, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Anguilla. All preliminary matches will be contested at the Estadio Rinaldo Jean Francisca in Willemstad, Curaçao, between February 23 and March 4, 2026. Haiti’s campaign begins on February 26 against Anguilla, followed by fixtures against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (February 28), Guyana (March 2), and concludes with a crucial encounter against Curaçao on March 4.
Team preparation has already commenced with a comprehensive scouting initiative targeting emerging talent within the Haitian Football League (LHF). The selected squad will undergo intensive training to secure top position in their group, which would advance them to the championship qualifiers scheduled for July 25 to August 9, 2026, where they will compete for placement in FIFA’s premier international competitions.