Costa Rica’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, and while La Sele focuses on their own qualifying matches, it’s always interesting to see how other teams in the CONCACAF region are shaping up. Haiti, another nation with World Cup aspirations, recently announced their squad for crucial qualifying matches.
Haiti’s Grenadiers Gear Up for World Cup Qualifiers
Haiti’s national football team, known as the Grenadiers, are preparing for pivotal matches in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Coach Sébastien Migné unveiled a 24-man roster with a mix of familiar faces and exciting new talent for their October fixtures.
New Blood and Returning Stars
The Haitian squad sees the introduction of three fresh players eager to make their mark on the international stage: Hannes Delcroix, currently with Burnley in the UK, Josué Casimir from AJ Auxerre in France, and Woobens Pacius, who plays for the Tampa Bay Rowdies right here in the United States. Pacius’s inclusion is particularly notable for American fans who may be familiar with his performances in the USL Championship.
Adding to the anticipation, Derrick Étienne Jr. makes a comeback after being sidelined for over a year. The goalkeeping department also receives a boost with the promotion of Tony Algarin. He joins veteran Johny Placide and Josué Duverger, who impressed in a previous match against Costa Rica.
Key Matches Ahead
The Grenadiers face a challenging schedule, with away games against Nicaragua on October 9th and Honduras on October 13th. These matches represent the 3rd and 4th rounds of the CONCACAF qualifiers. The competition is fierce, and every point counts as teams battle for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Haiti’s Roster at a Glance
For those following along, here’s a breakdown of the players selected for Haiti’s October qualifying matches:
Goalkeepers
- Johnny Placide (SC Bastia, France)
- Josue Duverger (FC Cosmos Koblenz, Germany)
- Tony Algarin (Reims, France)
Defenders
- Carlens Arcus (Angers SC, France)
- Martin Expérience (A Nancy, France)
- Markhus Lacroix (Colorado Springs FC, USA)
- Ricardo Adé (Ligue 1 Quito, Ecuador)
- Jean-Kévin Duverne (Gent, Belgium)
- Garven Metusala (Colorado Springs FC, USA)
- Keeto Thermoncy (BSC Young Boys U-19, Switzerland)
- Hannes Delcroix (Burnley FC, United Kingdom)
Midfielders
- Danley Jean Jacques (Philadelphia Union, USA)
- Leverton Pierre (Vizela, Portugal)
- Carl-fred Sainté (Phoenix Rising FC, USA)
- Jean Ricner Bellegarde (Wolverhampton, United Kingdom)
Attackers
- Don Deedson Louicius (FC Dallas, USA)
- Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal Football Club, Iran)
- Frantzdy Pierrot (Aek Athens, Greece)
- Yassin Fortuné (Vizela, Portugal)
- Ruben Providence (Almere City, Netherlands)
- Derrick Etienne Jr. (Toronto FC, Canada)
- Josué Casimir (Auxerre, France)
- Woobens Pacius (Tampa Bay Rowdies, USA)
- Fabrice Picault (Inter Miami, USA)
Looking Ahead
The road to the 2026 World Cup is a long and challenging one, filled with dramatic twists and turns. While Costa Rica focuses on its own journey, keeping an eye on other teams in the region adds another layer of excitement to the qualification process. Can Haiti overcome the odds and secure their place on the world stage? Only time will tell.
Interested in learning more about soccer in Costa Rica and how you can experience the passion firsthand? Explore our site for information on local teams, stadiums, and opportunities to witness the beautiful game in pura vida style!
