Haiti Begins World Cup 2026 Prep in U.S., Returning After 52 Years

The stay in New Jersey will allow “Les Grenadiers” to fine-tune the last details before the debut with Brazil. Photo: Vaughn Ridley/GettyImages.

May 28, 2026 Hour: 7:54 pm

The Haiti’s squad arrived on United States soil and established its training camp in New Jersey, marking their historic return to the FIFA World Cup after five decades.

The Haitian national football team arrived in New Jersey on May 28 to establish its official training camp at Stockton University ahead of the historic FIFA World Cup 2026.

The arrival of the squad known as “Les Grenadiers” marks a monumental milestone for the Caribbean nation. This deployment represents the official return of Haiti to the prestigious global tournament after a 52-year absence, with their last historical participation occurring at Germany 1974 where they captured the admiration of international fans.

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The journey of the Haitian squad transcends mere athletic performance, representing a deep social struggle and the indomitable spirit of its citizens. Haiti currently faces a severe multidimensional security crisis that affects all public sectors, which heavily restricted the local development of national athletic institutions and basic training infrastructure.

These hostile domestic conditions forced the delegation to play all home qualifying matches in foreign territories because of safety concerns. Consequently, French head coach Sébastien Migné coordinated all tactical, physical and logistical planning remotely, ensuring the players remained focused despite the ongoing political challenges in Port-au-Prince.

Faced with these operational barriers, the administrative staff executed alternative preparation strategies in neighboring nations. This collective achievement highlights the enduring spirit of the Haitian people and their capacity to achieve international representation, offering a message of hope and solidarity to millions of citizens enduring systemic hardships.

The selection of Stockton University as their training base provides the squad with high-level athletic facilities and a peaceful environment. The local community in New Jersey has welcomed the delegation, reflecting the strong bonds of solidarity between international diaspora organizations and the homeland during times of struggle.

Challenging Group C

During the upcoming World Cup tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the Caribbean delegation faces an elite level of athletic competition. Haiti was placed in Group C, where they must compete against formidable international powerhouses that possess extensive experience in elite football.

The competitive schedule requires the team to face Brazil, a five-time world champion renowned for its historic dominance and tactical brilliance. Additionally, they will play against Morocco, a highly disciplined African squad recognized for its recent historic achievements on the global stage during recent international tournaments.

The final group stage match will feature a clash against Scotland, an athletic European squad that introduces a rigorous physical style and strict defensive discipline. The training sessions at Stockton University will serve to finalize tactical strategies and build physical endurance before the opening match of the group stage.

Ultimately, the presence of Les Grenadiers in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is not merely an athletic return to the world stage. This tournament provides the Haitian nation a direct platform to project its cultural identity and collective dignity, proving that athletic excellence can bloom even under the most challenging geopolitical conditions.

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