WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – Haiti’s under-20 national football team, known as the Grenadiers, has officially commenced their campaign in the CONCACAF U-20 World Cup qualifiers after arriving in the capital city of Willemstad on February 24, 2026. The squad, under the strategic guidance of Cuban head coach Raul Gonzalez Triana, is poised to compete in the regional championship scheduled from February 26 through March 4, 2026.
The Grenadiers will initiate their tournament journey with an opening match against the Anguilla Rainbow Warriors on February 26. The selection features a 21-player roster demonstrating a blend of domestic talent and international experience. Fourteen athletes currently represent clubs within Haiti’s national league system, with thirteen hailing from first-division teams. Notably, the roster includes three players—Clifford Gene, Miguel Joseph, and Emerson Laisse—who have already secured qualification for the U-17 World Cup finals later in 2026, highlighting their exceptional development trajectory.
The team composition showcases significant geographic diversity in player development. While the majority compete within Haiti’s academy and club system, several key players are gaining experience abroad. Four athletes are currently registered with clubs in Jamaica and the United States, including Mount Pleasant in Jamaica and Orlando City SC in the United States, providing international competitive exposure.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared between Carlos Albertos Bre (Real Hope Academy), Guivenson Jean Philippe (Racing des Gonaïves), and Clifford Gene (Mount Pleasant, Jamaica). The defensive line features Leston Stanley Volcin, Oracio Marckidens Tanis (both ASC Haiti), along with Dieuvens Kenson Resil (Mount Pleasant, Jamaica), and Xavier Jose Belot (Miami Rush, USA).
The midfield will be orchestrated by Ramy Fabilus (Real Hope Academy), Josue Stevenson Anglade (ASC Haiti), and John Peter Charles (Real Hope Academy). The offensive contingent includes promising talents Franco Celestin, Emerson Laisse (both Mount Pleasant, Jamaica), and Nikolai Oliver Pierre (Orlando City SC, USA).
This tournament serves as a critical developmental platform for emerging Caribbean football talent, with teams competing for qualification to the global U-20 World Cup stage.