Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Haiti's Unprecedented World Cup Bid Amidst Civil Unrest
Haiti's soccer team is about to make it to the World Cup for the first time in almost 50 years!
But their coach, who lives far away, has never been able to visit Haiti because it's too dangerous.
He talks to people in Haiti on the phone to find out about the players.
Some players who have Haitian roots, but live elsewhere, are deciding if they want to play for Haiti.
This is a big deal because playing in the World Cup could make people in Haiti feel very proud and happy during these hard times.
The team has to play their home games in another country because it's too dangerous in Haiti.
Haiti's national soccer team is close to qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
The team's French coach, Sébastien Migne, has never visited Haiti due to extreme danger and civil unrest.
Migne manages the team remotely, relying on phone calls with Haitian football federation officials.
The squad includes players with Haitian roots from outside the country, with some joining and others still deciding.
Haiti hosts its 'home' matches at neutral venues like Curaçao because of the unsafe conditions in their homeland.
- Who
- Sébastien Migne, French coach of the Haitian national soccer team, and Haitian national soccer players.
- What
- The Haitian national soccer team is on the verge of World Cup qualification, but their coach has never been to Haiti due to extreme danger and instability in the country. The team plays home matches at neutral venues.
- When
- The qualification match against Nicaragua is on Tuesday, following a recent win against Costa Rica.
- Where
- The team's remote management is based on information from Haitian football federation officials. Home matches are played in Curaçao. Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, is controlled by armed gangs.
- Why
- Coach Migne cannot visit Haiti because it is too dangerous due to widespread crime, civil unrest, and lack of international flights. Players are motivated by the chance to qualify for the World Cup and bring pride to the nation.
Player Perspective
National Team Coach's Perspective
Motivation to Play for Haiti
Player Perspective
Players like Jean-Ricner Bellegarde feel a strong connection to their heritage and see playing for Haiti as a significant opportunity, with family encouraging them. It's a chance to bring pride to the nation.
National Team Coach's Perspective
Coach Sébastien Migne emphasizes the difficulty of assembling a squad due to the danger and lack of flights, requiring remote management. He focuses on recruiting players with Haitian roots and the immediate goal of World Cup qualification.
Player Decisions
Player Perspective
Some players, like Wilson Isidor, are weighing options between representing Haiti or France, indicating a need to be convinced and focus on their club commitments first.
National Team Coach's Perspective
Migne is actively trying to persuade undecided players like Wilson Isidor, highlighting the potential dream of reaching the World Cup with Haiti.
- Coach's Nationality
- French
- Coach's Age
- 52
- Coach's Tenure
- 18 months
- Last World Cup Qualification for Haiti
- 1974
- Current Home Match Venue
- Curaçao (neutral venue)
- Current Situation in Haiti
- Widespread kidnappings, crime, civil unrest, armed gangs controlling the capital, 1.3 million displaced, famine-level hunger.