Haiti’s World Cup hopes surge after 1–0 win over Costa Rica

For many fans, hope had nearly disappeared. After a string of poor performances, especially the 3-0 loss to Honduras on Oct. 13 in San Pedro Sula, confidence in Les Grenadiers was at its lowest.

But on Nov. 13, Haiti produced one of its most important victories in decades—a commanding 1-0 win over Costa Rica at Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curaçao—reviving the dream of returning to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974.

Striker Frantzdy Pierrot scored the game’s lone goal in the 44th minute, tapping in a low cross from young star-winger Ruben Providence to lift Haiti past Los Ticos and put the team on the brink of qualification.

Haiti moves into second place in goal differential, tied with Honduras in points.

With the win, Haiti sits in second place in Group C with eight points, tied with Honduras, and occupying the final direct qualifying spot. Les Grenadiers will play last-place Nicaragua on Nov. 18—coinciding with Battle of Vertières Day—at the same venue in Curaçao.

A win against Nicaragua would automatically send Haiti to the World Cup if Honduras drops points to Costa Rica.

If Honduras wins its match, Haiti would still finish second and advance to the intercontinental playoffs, regardless of the result against Nicaragua.

A draw against Nicaragua could also send Haiti to the World Cup if Honduras loses, or to the playoffs if Honduras draws as well in its match against Costa Rica.

A favorable matchup ahead and a historic moment awaits

The worst team in the group, Nicaragua, sits at the bottom with four points from five games. Haiti previously defeated them 3-0 at home on Oct. 9, making a victory on paper highly attainable and the team’s first World Cup appearance in 52 years more realistic than ever.

After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Honduras in their previous match, Haiti delivered a far more composed and disciplined performance against Costa Rica.

The defense held firm, with Burnley F.C. defender Hannes Delcroix showcasing confidence on the ball and delivering several precise passes.

Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde controlled the tempo for Haiti, distributing from all angles and nearly scoring his first goal for the national team with a curling effort in the 12th minute that forced a save from Keylor Navas.

Goalkeeper Johny Placide, criticized after the Honduras loss, redeemed himself with six crucial saves and had a commanding presence in his box.

Pierrot, who has also faced harsh scrutiny for missed chances in recent qualifiers, earned praise from fans for delivering one of the most important goals of his career.

Haiti will face Nicaragua on Nov. 18 in its final group-stage match. A win would be historic—not only for ending a half-century World Cup drought, but also for securing qualification on the anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, the decisive victory of the Haitian Revolution.

Les Grenadiers now stand closer than ever to rewriting their soccer history.

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