Teenager Belmar Joseph: A quiet revelation in Haiti’s 3-1 win vs Barbados

CAP-HAITIEN — Eighteen-year-old Belmar Joseph put up a veteran-like performance off the bench Sunday in just his second appearance for Haiti’s senior soccer team in a 3-1 victory over Barbados in the team’s second qualifier for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Wildey Turf in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The Villanova University midfielder was called up to the senior team after impressing in the 2024 Concacaf Under-20 Championship qualifiers in February with pinpoint passes and strong tackles in the middle of the pitch and also for scoring the header that propelled Les Grenadiers to the Concacaf Under-20 Championship. Joseph made his debut for Haiti, also coming off the bench, in a friendly against French Guiana in March.

For his school, Villanova, Joseph was a starter during the 2023 season, even though he was a freshman. The New Jersey native provided five assists and scored one goal in 16 games, proving to be a valuable asset for the Wildcats. 

Joseph joins four other promising midfielders on Haiti’s roster: 24-year-old central midfielder Danley Jean Jacques, 26-year-old defensive midfielder Leverton Pierre, and 21-year-old central midfielder Carl Fred Sainté. Inside midfielders, Jean Jacques, Pierre, and Joseph stood out in the two qualifiers played so far when many players in other positions struggled. 

For instance, center backs Ricardo Adé and Jean-Kévin Duverne were beaten on speed easily and made some inaccurate passes against Barbados. Frantzdy Pierrot did not score in the two qualifiers even though he had golden scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Johny Placide spilled what should have been an easy save against Barbados and the rebound turned into a goal. 

Overall, Les Grenadiers underperformed even though they won both qualifiers, also besting Saint Lucia 2-1 on Thursday, but the midfielders held the team to prevent a catastrophe. Jean Jacques particularly turned the game around by gluing the team together with his passes in the encounter against Saint Lucia after coming off the bench at halftime. Therefore, head coach Sébastien Migné could build his team around the midfield in upcoming matches and Joseph could make a major contribution off the bench.

Joseph was subbed in the game in the 63rd minute when the score was 2-1 and played as a defensive midfielder. Joseph instantly made his presence felt even though he was playing in a nerve wracking World Cup qualifier and is not even old enough to drink yet. He is the youngest Grenadiers who played in the qualifiers so far.

The teenager delivered quick and inch-perfect passes to transition the team from defense to midfield. He moved to space to be available to receive passes and even authoritatively asked for the ball — something many other young players would refrain from doing, fearing to make mistakes.  His courage was admirable, even though it was against a weak opponent. 

Joseph also triggered a low shot from outside the box in the 67th minute that went wide and stopped a Barbados attack with a tackle, proving to be an all-around player — not to forget that his heading game is to be watched since he scored the header that booked Haiti’s ticket in the Concacaf U-20 Championship.

One of Joseph’s few mistakes in the game was receiving a yellow card for an unnecessary hard foul in the 87th minute —possibly due to his lack of experience.

Joseph’s name was not on the scoresheet, nor did he dish an assist, but he provided a needed boost. Haiti’s scorers on Sunday were Louicius Don Deedson, Duke Lacroix and Bryan Labissière.

The Concacaf U-20 Championship, which will also serve as U-20 World Cup qualifiers, will start in July. Joseph’s name will likely be on Haiti’s roster. His experience with the senior team would be valuable and make him one of the players to keep an eye on. 

A star could be in the making because if groomed properly and if he keeps this momentum, Joseph could be a force in Haiti’s midfield in upcoming years. 

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