Haiti embraces World Cup dream after 54-year wait
As Haiti prepares for its first World Cup appearance in 54 years, schools across the country are joining the celebrations through a football tournament designed to promote peace and unity.
Haiti, set to participate in the World Cup for the first time in 54 years, is celebrating across the country with a school football tournament called "Ti Mondial 2026." Organized by the UN Bureau in Haiti and the NGO Viva Rio, the tournament brings together 48 schools, each representing one of the 48 nations competing in the World Cup. The event opened with children gathering under the flags of their assigned countries.
Organizers hope the tournament will foster trust and unity in a nation plagued by persistent violence. "Let's play for peace," said Viva Rio education coordinator Delynoi Christel. Haiti's qualification has become a source of national pride. Due to insecurity in the capital, the team had to play home qualifiers in Curaçao, yet still secured its place in the tournament. Haiti will face Scotland in its opening Group C match on June 13, and Haitians at home and abroad are rallying behind the national side.
