Haiti Makes History: Global Media Erupts

By securing a 2-0 victory against Nicaragua on Tuesday, Haiti achieved a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Media outlets worldwide celebrated this sporting and human feat, as well as its powerful symbolism amidst a very difficult national context.

Reuters highlights the immense challenge overcome: Haiti, amidst political instability and under threat from gangs in Port-au-Prince, had to play its "home" matches in Curaçao, unable to play on its own soil.

The French coach, Sébastien Migné, has never even set foot in Haiti since his appointment, making the qualification even more spectacular. Al Jazeera recalls this dramatic dimension: in a country paralyzed by violence, the Grenadiers managed to offer a moment of unity and hope to their people.

ESPN offers a poignant analysis of the Haitian campaign. The outlet describes how the team had to manage without a national stadium: their historic stadium, Sylvio Cator, became inaccessible due to violence, forcing them to play their "home matches" in Curaçao.

The decisive match against Nicaragua (2-0) is precisely summarized: Don Deedson Louicius (9th minute) and Ruben Providence (45th +1) are the goal scorers who delivered this long-awaited moment.

ESPN also emphasizes the importance of this qualification not only for football but as a message of resilience: "the players are determined to deliver a return to the World Cup which, according to them, could change things not only in Haitian football but throughout the country."

The Guardian (United Kingdom) recalls that this achievement brings Haiti back to the World Cup 52 years after 1974; the article emphasizes the "decisive victory" in the group final. In France, L'Équipe reviews Haitian mastery: according to the daily, Haiti managed to control its match and conclude a difficult campaign with composure.

The Costa Rican media outlet CRHoy (Costa Rica) speaks of a "historic victory": Haiti, an underdog, surprised by winning against Nicaragua to secure its place in the World Cup. The Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo highlights the symbolic aspect of the qualification: more than a sporting achievement, it is a redemptive "return" for a nation often shaken by its internal crises.

For its part, AS (Spain) offers an evocative headline: "Haití, al Mundial entre balas y escombros" ("Haiti, to the World Cup amidst bullets and rubble"), recalling that this success was achieved despite a dramatic social context.

In Caribbean and Haitian media, the reaction is one of immense joy. The website Le Facteur Haïti recalls that the Grenadiers had not been to the World Cup since 1974: "Haiti is back," their article headlines, while emphasizing that the qualification was won without ever playing at home in Port-au-Prince.