Haitian pride: Lenny Joseph and Wilson Isidor make FIFA World Cup history
ATLANTA, Ga. — When Haiti qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 victory against Nicaragua on Nov. 18, 2025, the Caribbean nation had not qualified in 52 years.
Haitians, who have been struggling with gang violence, had a reason to celebrate. Coach Sébastien Migné, a former player, made it happen.
In South Florida, Haitian Americans had a rallying cry, “Grenadye, alaso!” for “Warriors, advance!” Lenny Joseph and Wilson Isidor listened.
On Wednesday, during the 10th minute of a definitive match against Morocco, Joseph, 25, became Haiti’s first FIFA World Cup 2026 scorer.
Haiti had not scored a FIFA World Cup goal since the legendary Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff couldn’t stop Emmanuel Sanon from scoring in 1974 in Munich.
At the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou also could not stop Joseph’s swift back-heeled flick at the near post.
Photo by Mike Stewart/The Associated Press
Isidor, 25, made FIFA World Cup history with a goal from outside the box at the 43rd minute. The forward’s powerful shot flew into the top corner.
Jean-Kévin Duverne, a defender, delivered the two assists: A low cross pass to Joseph and a short pass to Isidor just outside the penalty area.
Morocco won 4-2, and Brazil won 3-0 against Scotland in Miami Gardens. Both advanced in Group C to the tournament’s Round of 32.
Although the road was over for Haiti after the June 19 match against Brazil, the stadium in Atlanta was full of Haitian fans. The team had also gained new fans from other countries.
In Colombia, the owner and employees of Saeta, a company that sponsored the Haitian players’ jerseys, were grateful. They had never displayed their brand at a FIFA World Cup before.
THE RISING STARS
Joseph and Isidor, who were both born in France, are both of Haitian descent.
Joseph was born in Paris. His father, Djimon Joseph, is of Haitian descent, and his mother is from Congo. He plays for the Hungarian club of Ferencváros.
Isidor was born in Rennes. His father is also from Haiti, and his mother is French. He plays for the English Premier League’s Sunderland A.F.C.
Duverne, who is of Haitian descent, was also born in Paris. He plays as a right-back for Belgian Pro League club Gent while on loan from French club Nantes.
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