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Haiti’s under-17 men’s soccer team has qualified for the 2025 FIFA World Cup after a dominant run in the Concacaf U-17 World Cup Qualifiers. The young Grenadiers secured their spot with a 2-0 victory over Guatemala on Sunday night, Feb. 16, at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City. The win marks Haiti’s third U-17 World Cup appearance, following tournaments in 2007 and 2019.
Haiti finished the final round undefeated in Group E, winning all three matches and outscoring its opponents 10-0.
“I have no words to express my happiness for the boys,” Head Coach Eddy César said in a post-game interview with Haitian sports network Totalmixradio.com, emphasizing the team’s dedication after three years of preparation in a country facing multiple crises.
“This qualification means everything to us, our country, and the future of Haitian soccer. Throughout the qualifying campaign, the boys showed their skills, tremendous heart, and determination.”
Haiti struck early, with Djouby Jean-Phillippe scoring from the top of the box in the 8th minute. The Grenadiers then held their lead before captain Miguel Joseph sealed the victory in stoppage time (90’+4) with a long-range rocket from midfield.
The win secured Haiti’s place in Qatar 2025, where it will compete against some of the world’s top U-17 teams on the global stage.
The team’s qualification run was fueled by the standout performances of 15-year-old playmaker Emerson Laissé, who played a pivotal role in the attack, contributing goals and assists in all three matches. Other key players included captain Miguel Joseph, goalkeeper Cliford Gené, forward Nikolaï Pierre, Franco Celestin, and Theo Lacombe, who provided leadership and stability throughout the tournament.
“I have no words to express my happiness for the boys. This qualification means everything to us, our country, and the future of Haitian soccer.”
Eddy César, head coach of Haiti’s U-17 men’s team
Haiti’s defense was also a fortress, keeping a clean sheet in all three final-round games while delivering commanding victories over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (5-0) and Antigua and Barbuda (3-0) before Sunday’s decisive match against Guatemala.
Before kickoff, both teams sat tied atop Group E with six points each. However, Haiti held the advantage in goal difference and needed only a draw to advance. Instead, the young Grenadiers left no doubt, securing a win to claim the top spot.
The news of Haiti’s qualification sparked celebrations across the country, with fans taking to the streets to express their pride.
“This is more than just a soccer victory. It’s a moment of pride for all of Haiti,” said Jean-Claude Antoine, a fan in Port-au-Prince.
On X (formerly Twitter), Concacaf recognized Haiti’s achievement, posting:
Haiti’s young stars shine bright! U-17 World Cup qualification secured! 
https://t.co/sQOD8Gc0IJ
Haitian soccer coach Wilkens Plaisir also praised the team’s preparation and resilience.
“Most of the players forming the team’s base have not been in regular club competition for over three years,” Plaisir said on Totalmixradio.com. “The fact that the technical staff kept these players in shape to shine at this level with such brilliance is extraordinary. I applaud them all.”
With Qatar 2025 on the horizon, the young Grenadiers will continue their preparation, aiming to showcase Haitian soccer on the world stage.
The post Haiti men’s U-17 soccer team clinches 2025 FIFA World Cup spot appeared first on The Haitian Times.
