Historic Moment in Haitian Football
Haiti’s dream of reaching the FIFA World Cup for only the second time in its history has gained fresh momentum. Two top European league players—Josué Casimir of Ligue 1’s AJ Auxerre and Hannes Delcroix of Premier League side Burnley—have officially committed to the Haitian national team. Their arrival injects renewed energy into Les Grenadiers’ qualifying campaign as they chase a return to the world stage, 52 years after their last appearance in 1974.
Coach Sébastien Migné’s Breakthrough
Head coach Sébastien Migné announced on September 30 that both Casimir and Delcroix have been added to his 24-man roster for the upcoming qualifiers against Nicaragua (October 9) and Honduras (October 13). Migné, who admitted to working tirelessly for over a year to secure the players’ commitment, emphasized their importance. “The new players’ arrival will strengthen our group,” Migné said. “If we want to qualify for the World Cup, we need more internal competition and higher standards.”
A Diaspora-Driven Team
The Haitian squad remains heavily reliant on its diaspora, drawing talent from across Europe and North America. Domestic instability continues to force Haiti to play matches abroad, making international recruits vital for success. Wolverhampton midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde recently joined, marking the first time three active top-flight Europe-based players are available simultaneously for Haiti.
Player Profiles: New Additions
Josué Casimir
At 24 years old, Casimir was born in Guadeloupe to Haitian parents. He previously represented Guadeloupe at youth level before switching allegiance to Haiti. A summer signing for AJ Auxerre, Casimir has already featured in five Ligue 1 matches this season and is seen as an exciting attacking option on the wing.
Hannes Delcroix
Born in Haiti’s Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite but raised in Belgium, 26-year-old Delcroix represented Belgium at youth level and once appeared for their senior team in a friendly against Switzerland. A left-sided center-back, he joined Burnley in 2023 after a long spell at Anderlecht but has struggled for playing time in the Premier League. Following injury setbacks and a loan to Swansea City, Delcroix has now chosen Haiti, providing much-needed depth in defense.
Other New Faces and Returning Veterans
Alongside the European duo, Canadian-born striker Woobens Pacius, who scored 10 goals this season for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL, was also called up. Additionally, 18-year-old goalkeeper Tony Algarin, currently playing for Stade de Reims’ under-19 side, received his first senior call.
Toronto FC winger Derrick Etienne Jr., absent for 15 months, returns to the squad after what Migné described as a much-needed personal and professional reset. “I think he understands now… It was important for me to talk to him because I need positive energy on the team,” Migné explained.
Future Targets
Migné has set his sights on Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor, who is eligible to represent France, Haiti, or Madagascar. The coach acknowledged that Isidor is undecided but called his choice “a decisive step in his career.”
A Race Against Time
Despite the influx of new talent, Haiti faces logistical hurdles. The squad will have just two one-hour training sessions before its first qualifier in October. Migné, however, insists the long-term vision is greater than short-term obstacles.
“Our team is stronger when we embrace the diaspora,” he said. “This is how Haiti can compete on the world stage.”
By The Haitian Tribune Staff
