Haitian followers go wild after their nation’s 2-0 victory over Nicaragua propelled it to a World Cup berth. Photograph: AFP
PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI/DAYTONA BEACH, FLA:
Fireworks and dancing erupted throughout Haiti in a reprieve from gang violence as individuals got here collectively to have a good time their nationwide staff punching its ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
Haiti, the poorest nation within the Americas, shall be making its first look on worldwide soccer’s largest stage in additional than 50 years, and solely its second total, after qualifying for the match on Tuesday night time.
“We’d like a nationwide vacation to have a good time it, with faculties closed. We’d like pleasure and pleasure. Unlock the nation and eradicate the gangs,” an ecstatic fan in Port-au-Prince informed AFP.
However even the gangs joined in on the celebrations that stretched into Wednesday within the capital and different cities similar to Cap-Haitien and Miragoane.
Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherisier, the UN-sanctioned chief of a gang coalition generally known as Viv Ansanm (Residing Collectively), was seen in movies posted to social media partying with residents in his neighborhood.
Simply three days earlier, the gang boss had introduced his intention to confront the police as he urged residents of Port-au-Prince to remain indoors.
In Haiti’s primary metropolis, hundreds of individuals celebrated within the streets to the rhythm of in style songs and chants carried out by rara bands, the nation’s festive music.
A number of followers paraded shirtless, waving nationwide flags amid applause and fireworks.
“I should not be out on the road at this hour, however because it’s for Haiti, I am doing it anyway,” mentioned supporter Widenie Bruno.
Due to safety issues stemming from the gang menace in Port-au-Prince, the nationwide staff needed to play all of its qualifying dwelling matches within the Caribbean island nation of Curacao.
It was there that Haiti, generally known as the Grenadiers, beat Nicaragua 2-0 to clinch their spot within the World Cup, which shall be staged in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Haitian followers, nevertheless, might not be capable of journey to the US to look at their staff play as a result of, in June, President Donald Trump’s administration included Haiti amongst 12 international locations whose residents are banned from coming into the US.
‘So proud’
Haiti’s qualification brings a second of reduction for a inhabitants strained and exhausted by the violence of organized gangs, which management 90 % of the capital.
These teams, accused of murders, rapes, looting, and kidnappings, have contributed to a extreme humanitarian disaster in Haiti, a small nation lengthy burdened by political instability.
The scenario has worsened since early 2024, when gangs pressured the then-prime minister Ariel Henry to resign.
However on Tuesday night time, everybody within the nation appeared centered on what was taking place in Curacao.
After the victory towards Nicaragua, Haitian followers nonetheless needed to anticipate Costa Rica and Honduras to play to a scoreless draw earlier than they might have a good time what had appeared inconceivable — Haiti’s first berth within the World Cup since 1974, when West Germany hosted the match.
One other younger fan of the Grenadiers mentioned he deliberate to celebration all night time lengthy — no matter the price.
“I’m so happy with Haiti that I’ll spend every part tonight,” he mentioned. “I’ll get up broke. We’ll spend the night time within the streets.”
