NORTH MIAMI, Fla. (Le Floridien) — Not even a rainy Saturday could keep South Florida’s Haitian soccer fans from coming out to welcome members of Haiti’s national team as they prepare for the country’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup.
At least 200 supporters gathered at MOCA Plaza in North Miami to greet some of Haiti’s biggest soccer stars, including leading scorer Duckens Nazon, forwards Wilson Isidor, Louicius Deedson and Derrick Etienne Jr., midfielder Danley Jean Jacques, defenders Carlens Arcus and Martin Expérience, and goalkeeper Josué Duverger.
Undeterred by the rainy weather, fans arrived wearing Haiti’s blue and red colors, waving flags and eagerly welcoming members of the national team whose World Cup qualification has sparked excitement and renewed pride throughout the Haitian diaspora.
For many, the historic qualification has become a rare source of joy and unity for Haitians around the world.
“We waited decades for this moment,” said Michael Pierre, 42, of Sunrise. “The rain didn’t matter to me. Seeing these players in person and celebrating Haiti’s return to the World Cup is something I couldn’t miss. Today is about pride and hope for our community.”
Still, the excitement has not erased the financial reality facing many fans. Several attendees questioned by Le Floridien about whether they planned to travel to watch Haiti’s World Cup matches said they could not commit with certainty. Many cited the high cost of travel, lodging and especially match tickets, with particular concern over the much-anticipated Haiti vs. Brazil game scheduled for Friday, June 19. For many supporters, cheering from South Florida watch parties may be the more realistic option, even as their hearts remain with the Grenadiers on the world stage.
Standing before a crowd of supporters, Nazon thanked fans for their unwavering support and emphasized the importance of representing Haiti on the world stage.
The excitement surrounding the team’s visit reflected the deep passion South Florida’s Haitian community has for soccer and for the national team, which has become a symbol of resilience amid the ongoing challenges facing Haiti.
However, the day did not unfold entirely as many fans had anticipated.
While supporters who attended the gathering at North Miami City Hall were able to see and greet several players, many others who traveled to the Little Haiti Cultural Complex and Notre-Dame d’Haïti Catholic Church hoping to meet members of the squad were left disappointed. No players appeared at either location throughout the afternoon, despite expectations that team representatives would visit those sites.
“I brought my children to Little Haiti because we wanted them to meet the players and be part of this historic moment,” said Jackson Briocher of Little Haiti. “We waited for hours, and unfortunately no one came. It was disappointing, but we’re still proud of the team and we’ll continue supporting them.”
Despite the confusion surrounding portions of the itinerary, fans later reported seeing at least four Haitian national team players at South Beach along Alton Road and at Aventura Mall, where they were greeted by supporters and curious onlookers.
The enthusiasm displayed throughout the day underscored how much Haiti’s World Cup qualification means to the diaspora. Haiti’s only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974 in West Germany, and many supporters never imagined they would witness another qualification in their lifetime.
Currently based in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Haiti’s national team will remain in South Florida this week for two international friendly matches before heading to New Jersey, where the squad is expected to be officially based during the World Cup period. Haiti will face New Zealand on Tuesday, June 2, at 8 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale, followed by another friendly against Peru on Friday, June 5, also at 8 p.m. in Miami.
For a few hours on a rainy South Florida afternoon, concerns about politics, violence and instability in Haiti gave way to celebration. The focus was on soccer, national pride and a team carrying the hopes of millions of Haitians at home and abroad as it prepares for its historic return to the world’s biggest sporting stage.
