Haiti named their men's soccer squad on May 15 for their first World Cup appearance since 1974, led by captain Johnny Placide and all-time top scorer Duckens Nazon [1, 2].
The 26-man roster includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders, and nine forwards. French coach Sebastien Migne selected an experienced team anchored by 38-year-old goalkeeper Johnny Placide, who plays for Bastia in France [1, 2].
Among the squad’s most recognizable European players is Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde [1, 2]. Duckens Nazon, who has scored 44 goals in 76 international appearances, played a crucial role in Haiti’s qualification campaign by netting six goals for Iranian club Esteghlal [1, 2].
This marks Haiti’s second men’s World Cup appearance overall and their first in 52 years. They earned a spot by topping their CONCACAF qualifying group despite having to play all home matches on neutral grounds due to the country’s ongoing security crisis [1, 2].
Before opening their Group C campaign on June 13 against Scotland, Haiti will play warm-up matches against New Zealand and Peru. They will also face Brazil and Morocco in the group stage [1, 2].
Haiti’s 2026 World Cup squad balances youth and experience, with the veteran leadership of Placide and the scoring threat of Nazon expected to be key. Their first match against Scotland is scheduled for June 13.