Lennox Aldred (Caribbean Today)– A 51-year wait is finally over. The Haitian national team, Les Grenadiers, are headed to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, securing its place at the 2026 tournament with a decisive 2-0 victory over Nicaragua on Tuesday.
The historic win, which sealed top spot in Group C of the Concacaf qualifiers, sparked immediate and raucous celebrations across the nation.
In the capital of Port-au-Prince, hundreds of fans danced in the streets late into the night, their joy undimmed even as the players had to rely on a cell phone stream to confirm their nation’s long-awaited qualification.
The action on the pitch in Willemstad, Curaçao, gave them every reason to celebrate early. Louicius Deedson broke the deadlock in the 9th minute with a precise left-footed strike, setting the tone for the match.
Just before halftime, Ruben Providence doubled the lead, powerfully heading home a cross from Carlens Arcus to send Haiti into the break with a commanding 2-0 advantage.
That scoreline held, writing a new chapter for Haitian football and ending a drought that dated back to their only other World Cup appearance in West Germany.
While Haiti’s celebration was one of unbridled joy, the night ended with agonising tension for Suriname. Needing a result against Guatemala to secure direct qualification, Suriname fell 3-1 in Guatemala City.
After conceding three second-half goals, Suriname’s hopes were kept alive by a late own goal forced by pressure from Sheraldo Becker.
That single goal proved monumental, as it was enough to secure Suriname’s place in the upcoming Intercontinental play-off tournament on goal difference.
Despite the loss, Suriname finished as one of the best second-place teams. They, along with Jamaica, will continue their quest for a World Cup berth in the international play-offs next March, ensuring the Caribbean nation’s dream remains alive for at least a few more months.
