5 takeaways from Haiti’s 5-0 victory over Aruba in World Cup qualifiers | ANALYSIS

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haiti’s national soccer team earned a commanding 5-0 victory against Aruba in a World Cup qualifier Saturday night, June 7, at Trinidad Stadium in Oranjestad. Les Grenadiers extended their winning streak to 10 games and secured their fourth straight clean sheet, displaying fluid attack, resilient defense and near-perfect chemistry.

While Haiti has yet to be truly tested by higher-ranked nations—Aruba sits 195th in FIFA’s rankings compared to Haiti’s 83rd—the team’s progression is evident. Recent dominant performances against Azerbaijan (119th), Puerto Rico (157th) and Sint Maarten (unranked) hint that Haiti is prepared for more competitive challenges in the next stage.

The win marked a notable improvement from last June’s narrow victories over Saint Lucia and Barbados, hinting at Haiti’s growing readiness for stronger competition.

Saturday’s goals came from Danley Jean-Jacques, Frantzdy Pierrot, Ruben Providence, Duckens Nazon, and Mondy Prunier. Haiti now holds a 3-0-0 record in Group C and is placed second behind Curaçao due to goal differential. After both teams won their third consecutive games, they have officially qualified for the third round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, scheduled for next September. In the group’s final match, Haiti and Curaçao will compete for the title of group winners.

Haiti’s National Men’s Soccer Team continues to defy off-the-field obstacles with another on-the-field triumph. With local league play halted by Haiti’s security crisis, Coach Migné has turned to players based abroad—mostly in Europe and North America. Despite these challenges, Les Grenadiers extended their winning streak in World Cup qualifiers, showcasing depth and promise that offer rare hope during turbulent times for Haitian athletics and the country as a whole— providing a rare moment of celebration for the people, avid soccer fanatics.

The 5-0 win over Aruba was more than a routine blowout — it revealed tactical strengths, emerging stars and a few lineup decisions worth reconsidering. With the Gold Cup and tougher qualifiers looming, Saturday’s match offered a timely look at what’s working — and what needs refining — for Les Grenadiers. 

Prunier proves his value off the bench

Mondy Prunier may not be Haiti’s headline striker, but his impact as a substitute is becoming increasingly important. With seven goals in 16 appearances—mostly as a sub—Prunier again showed his sharp instincts, dispossessing a defender and finishing low into the corner. He’s the kind of depth player that could prove critical in tougher matches ahead.

Picault’s central shift misfires

Typically a force on the wing, 34-year-old Inter Miami CF’s winger Fafà Picault struggled after being deployed centrally. With Jean-Jacques, Attys and Dany Jean also occupying central roles, the midfield was congested and inefficient. The team missed Picault’s signature bursts down the flank. Migné may need to reconsider his positioning moving forward, especially considering the abundance of talent the team already has in midfield.

A midfield overflowing with talent—and a tactical puzzle

Midfield might be Haiti’s deepest and strongest position. Against Aruba, Jean-Jacques, Attys and Jean controlled the tempo well. Jean-Jacques tallied both a goal and assist, while substitute Leverton Pierre delivered a sublime assist to Providence.

However, too many playmakers can be problematic. A Haitian proverb, twòp chèn gate revèy— Haitian Creole for “too many chains can break the clock”—fits here. If midfielders don’t learn to complement rather than crowd each other, the team risks disjointed play. Coach Migné’s challenge will be selecting the right trio and formation, one with complementary skills.

Pierrot and Nazon: the reliable scorers deliver again

At 30, Frantzdy Pierrot continues to shine. His goal against Aruba extended his streak to six consecutive games and brought his tally to 31 goals in 37 matches—third in Haiti’s all-time scoring list. Duckens Nazon, now with 40 goals in 68 games, is three clear of Haitian legend Emmanuel Sanon. These two remain the heartbeat of the team’s attack.

Ruben Providence announces his arrival as a rising star

The 23-year-old winger made a memorable debut, scoring after initially being denied by the goalkeeper. Providence headed a Pierre’s pass, but the opposing keeper initially saved it. The native of France was quick enough to recover the ball and strike the rebound into the net. 

A former Italian Serie A—AS Roma prospect, Providence impressed with his confidence, ball control and speed down the left wing. His emergence gives Migné yet another attacking weapon as Haiti eyes tougher competition in the third round of the qualifiers.

Coming just as a substitute in the second half of the match, fans and observers were already falling in love with Providence and hope to see more of him in upcoming games.

Up next for Haiti

Les Grenadiers will face Curaçao on June 10 to close out the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The third round begins in September 2025, with 12 teams split into three groups of four. Only the top team in each group will qualify directly for the global soccer event and the best third-place finisher overall will play an intercontinental game for the last CONCACAF berth in the mega tournament.

After facing Curaçao on June 10 to close the second round of World Cup qualifiers, Haiti will travel to San Diego, California, for the Gold Cup.

Their group-stage schedule includes:

• June 15 vs. Saudi Arabia, 8:15 p.m. EST, Snapdragon Stadium
• June 19 vs. Trinidad & Tobago, 6:45 p.m. EST, Shell Energy Stadium, Houston
• June 22 vs. United States, 7:00 p.m. EST, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

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