The Confederation of North, Central American, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has announced crucial details for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers. The men’s regional qualifiers are scheduled to take place from February 3 to 12, 2026, across six venues in Honduras, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. A total of 34 member associations will participate in the tournament, which will follow a single-round format. Teams will be divided into eight groups, with each team playing against the others in their group once. The eight group winners will secure their spots in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The official draw for the competition is set for October 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and will be streamed live on CONCACAF’s official YouTube channel. Teams will be seeded into five pots based on their CONCACAF U-17 Men’s rankings as of April 2025, with the highest-ranked teams in Pot 1 and the lowest in Pot 5. For the U-17 Women’s qualifiers, the first round will run from January 24 to February 2, 2026, with matches held in Aruba, Bermuda, Curaçao, and Nicaragua. Thirty nations will compete, with the top six group winners and two best runners-up advancing to the finals. The women’s draw will take place on October 15, 2025, also live on CONCACAF’s YouTube channel.
标签: Haiti
海地
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News : Zapping…
Haiti witnessed a series of significant events this week, reflecting the nation’s multifaceted challenges and achievements. On October 9th, two armored vehicles belonging to the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) were targeted by heavily armed individuals at Champ-de-Mars. One vehicle carried soldiers from the Haitian Armed Forces (FAD’H), while the other was unoccupied. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the attack. Meanwhile, in Delmas, Mayor Wilson Jeudy unveiled the municipal budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, projecting a record one billion gourdes. This marks a substantial increase from the previous year’s 800 million gourdes, aimed at enhancing the municipality’s investment capacity. On a brighter note, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé praised the Haitian national football team, the Grenadiers, for their 3-0 victory against Nicaragua in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, expressing national pride in their performance. However, security concerns persist, as eight armored vehicles sent by the Haitian National Police (PNH) to Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite were blocked by protesters demanding action against the ‘Gran Grif’ gang. In a separate development, the French Institute in Haiti is hosting the ‘Wild Haiti’ exhibition, showcasing the country’s rich biodiversity. Internationally, U.S. President Trump signed an executive order imposing a $5,000 fine for each illegal alien aged 14 or older detained, with no possibility of appeal.
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Diplomacy : Laurent Saint Cyr met with Emperor Naruhito of Japan
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Laurent Saint Cyr, President Pro Tempore and Coordinator of Haiti’s Transition Council, held pivotal meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Emperor Naruhito during his official visit to Japan. The discussions with Prime Minister Ishiba centered on the current economic landscape and mutual interests, with Saint Cyr emphasizing Japan’s support for the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) following its approval by the United Nations Security Council. Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed Japan’s longstanding commitment to Haiti, highlighting decades of assistance, particularly after the devastating 2010 earthquake and through funding for the Multinational Security Support Mission. He expressed a keen interest in bolstering Haiti’s military capabilities and reiterated Japan’s dedication to fostering stability, peace, and security in the Caribbean nation. Saint Cyr, in turn, underscored the Transitional Council’s determination to restore security with international support, paving the way for timely elections. Additionally, Saint Cyr was granted an audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Tokyo Imperial Palace on October 8, 2025. This cordial meeting reinforced the enduring friendship and cooperative ties between Haiti and Japan, focusing on shared interests and mutual respect.
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Economy : Adoption of a budget of 345 billion (2025-2026)
In a significant move toward economic recovery and state restoration, Haiti’s Council of Ministers convened an extraordinary meeting on October 9, 2025, at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince. This marked a symbolic return to the premises, which had been under the control of criminal gangs since January 2024. The meeting, chaired by Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire and attended by Prime Minister Alix Didier Bien Aimé, resulted in the adoption of a 345 billion gourdes budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The budget, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation, underscores the government’s commitment to restoring public security, organizing democratic elections, stabilizing macroeconomic indicators, and improving living conditions. Notably, 70% of the budget will be financed through tax and customs revenues, with no new tax measures introduced. Sectoral priorities include significant allocations for salaries (35%), public security and elections (16%), and education (15%). The government also emphasized support for local production, protection of investments, and adjustments to the General Tax Code. Despite reports of gunfire near the palace during the meeting, officials denied any disruption, affirming the council’s focus on advancing Haiti’s strategic priorities.
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FLASH : Council of Ministers abandon the project of a new Constitution
In a significant political development, Haiti’s extraordinary Council of Ministers, led by Transitional Presidential Advisor Leslie Voltaire and attended by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils Aimé, announced on October 9, 2025, the abandonment of the proposed new Constitution. This decision marks a pivotal shift in the nation’s governance strategy. To facilitate this change, the Council repealed four key laws: the Decree of July 17, 2024, which established the Steering Committee of the National Conference; the Orders of July 24 and September 2, 2024, which appointed and supplemented the Steering Committee members; the Order of September 18, 2024, which appointed members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) and set their terms of office; and the Referendum Decree of June 24, 2025. These actions underscore the Transitional Executive’s commitment to fostering institutional, political, and legal frameworks that support free, inclusive, and credible general elections, aligning with the principles of the amended 1987 Constitution.
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iciHaiti – Chile : AGCID South-South Cooperation Scholarships, registrations open
The Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially announced the opening of applications for the 2026 South-South Cooperation Scholarship Program, facilitated by the Chilean Agency for International Development Cooperation (AGCID). This initiative aims to bolster human capital development by enabling professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean to pursue master’s degrees at Chilean universities. The program underscores Chile’s commitment to fostering educational and professional growth across the region. Applicants must meet several requirements, including securing a letter of admission from a Chilean university, providing a validated medical certificate, submitting a detailed curriculum vitae, and crafting a compelling cover letter. Additionally, candidates must present a brief description of their intended field of study and thesis topic, a Spanish language certificate, and an academic letter of recommendation. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Ms. Katherine Oliveri Astorga, Head of Studies in Chile, for further details. Applications must be submitted electronically to both the Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation (Focal Point) and the Embassy of Chile in Haiti by October 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Successful candidates will be notified in November 2025, with courses commencing between March 1 and September 30, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official AGCID website.
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![FLASH : 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Haiti beats Nicaragua [3-0] (videos)](https://wp.caribscopeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/c9feb11bdd2ca96981a9572bef368fb4.jpg)
FLASH : 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Haiti beats Nicaragua [3-0] (videos)
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Haiti secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Nicaragua in the third match of Group C in the CONCACAF Final Round of Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, held on October 9, 2025, at the National Stadium in Managua, Nicaragua, saw Haiti temporarily take the lead in Group C, surpassing Honduras in the standings. The Grenadiers, led by French coach Sébastien Migné, showcased a well-coordinated effort from start to finish. Captain Johny Placide anchored the defense with a solid performance, making three crucial saves and maintaining a clean sheet. The scoring began early with Duckens Nazon capitalizing on a loose ball in the 12th minute, marking his sixth goal of the season. Despite a power outage that halted play for over an hour, Haiti returned with renewed vigor. Danley Jean Jacques doubled the lead in the 35th minute with a precise header from a corner kick, assisted by Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. The final blow came in the 90th minute when Louicius Deedson sealed the victory with a left-footed shot from inside the box, following a well-placed pass from Duke Lacroix. This win not only boosts Haiti’s standing in the qualifiers but also sets a positive tone for their upcoming matches against Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. The team’s cohesive play and strategic substitutions underscore their potential to make a significant impact in the 2026 World Cup.
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News : Zapping…
In a significant move, the United States has announced a reduction in its annual contribution to the United Nations, slashing its $1.3 billion commitment to $682 million for the current fiscal year. A portion of this funding, $85 million, is specifically allocated to the future United Nations Support Office in Haiti (BANUH) and the Gang Repression Force (FRG), aimed at addressing the escalating gang violence in the region. This decision comes amidst heightened security concerns in Haiti, where the US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, has issued strong statements against gang leaders destabilizing the region. Concurrently, military cooperation between Haiti and France has been a focal point of discussions, with Haitian Defense Minister Jean-Michel Moïse and French officials meeting to strategize on regional security and stability. In a related development, Haitian customs officials seized a cache of suspicious military-style equipment, including anti-drone devices, raising further questions about the security landscape. On a more optimistic note, Haitian Secretary of Commerce and Industry James Monazard expressed confidence in the renewal of the HOPE/HELP Act, a crucial piece of legislation for economic cooperation with the US, set to expire later this year.
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2026 World Cup Qualification : D-Day, Haiti vs Nicaragua
Haiti’s senior national football team, the Grenadiers, is set to face Nicaragua in a pivotal 2026 World Cup Qualifying match on October 9, 2025, at the National Stadium in Managua. This encounter marks the third of six matches in the final qualifying phase for Haiti, as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. The game is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. (Haiti time) and is expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike. Historically, Haiti has dominated this fixture, with six wins out of nine previous meetings, scoring 15 goals and conceding nine. Their most recent victory over Nicaragua was a 1-0 triumph in the 2021 World Cup qualifiers. However, the Grenadiers face challenges ahead of the match, with key player Yassine Fortuné sidelined due to injury and Fabrice Picault absent for undisclosed reasons. Lambèse has been called up as a last-minute reinforcement to complete the 23-player squad. Haiti’s ambition is clear: to secure a victory in front of 17,000 spectators and reignite their dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Following this match, Haiti will face Honduras on October 13th in a return leg, after their first encounter ended in a goalless draw. The Grenadiers’ journey continues in November with matches against Curaçao and Costa Rica. Currently, Haiti sits third in Group C with two points from two matches, trailing Honduras and Costa Rica. Nicaragua, with just one point, is at the bottom of the group. This match is a critical opportunity for Haiti to climb the standings and strengthen their World Cup aspirations.
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FLASH : IDB grants $100 million to help Haiti rebuild health services in the Far North
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has announced a significant $100 million grant aimed at rebuilding and enhancing essential health services in Haiti’s three northern departments. This initiative, approved by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors, seeks to save lives, prevent disabilities, and strengthen the region’s health infrastructure. The project will focus on improving the health system, conducting critical health surveys, and advancing the digitalization of healthcare services. These efforts will inform the development of a medium-term investment master plan to ensure sustainable health improvements. The program builds on previous IDB-supported social protection operations initiated in 2022, targeting the prevention and treatment of prevalent noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, as well as infectious diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and human papillomavirus. Additionally, the initiative will prioritize underserved groups, including internally displaced persons, return migrants, vulnerable women, and individuals with disabilities, by developing care protocols tailored to their needs. A substantial portion of the grant will be allocated to strengthening health infrastructure, enhancing the response capacity of facilities serving priority communities. This marks the first phase of a long-term commitment to rebuild the public health network’s capabilities, starting in the greater northern region. The grant will be disbursed and implemented over 84 months (7 years), directly benefiting approximately 750,000 people in targeted communities.
