Haiti U-20 men move to second round of FIFA WC qualifiers after comeback win over Curaçao

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haiti’s under-20 men’s soccer team advanced to the next round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifiers after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Curaçao at Rignaal “Jean” Francisca Stadium in Willemstad on March 4.

Les Petits Grenadiers finished atop Group D with 12 points, securing a place in the second round of qualifying, officially the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, scheduled for July 25 to Aug. 9.

Haiti entered the match needing either a win or a draw to top the group. Curaçao took the lead in the 60th minute when Damiënthly Bernardina converted a penalty kick.

Haiti responded in the final moments. Central midfielder Miguel Joseph equalized in the 90th minute with a powerful free kick that struck the top right corner of the net.

Three minutes later, striker Kervens Romulus headed in the winning goal in added time, completing the comeback and sealing Haiti’s place in the next round.

A next generation in the making

Haiti dominated the first phase of the qualifiers, outscoring opponents 16–1 in four matches.

Les Petits Grenadiers opened the tournament with a 7–0 victory over Anguilla, followed by a 4–0 win against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and a 3–0 forfeit victory over Guyana, before edging Curaçao 2–1.

The squad has been dubbed “the next generation” by observers because several players are viewed as potential future members of Haiti’s senior national team.

Throughout the tournament, the team displayed strong chemistry, fluid passing and disciplined defending. Their composure was especially evident in the final match, when they remained calm after falling behind 1–0 and rallied to win in the closing minutes.

If several players transition to the senior national team, they could bring the same technical quality and mental resilience — traits that have fueled optimism among fans and analysts.

Echoes of previous youth success

Haiti last produced a highly successful youth generation in the late 2010s with the women’s national program.

That group qualified for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and many players later helped Haiti reach the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The squad included standout talents such as midfielder Melchie “Corventina” Dumornay and strikers Nérilia Mondésir and Batchéba Louis.

With the current men’s U-20 team showing similar promise, some observers believe Haiti may be witnessing the emergence of another talented generation.

The country is already experiencing a strong run at youth international competitions. Haiti’s men’s and under-17 teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cups in their respective age categories, while the under-17 women’s team has also advanced to the second phase of its World Cup qualifiers.

Together, those results point to a potentially positive era for Haitian soccer.

Players to continue watching

Several players stood out during the group stage.

Winger Franco Celestin, considered one of the Caribbean’s most promising young players, recorded two goals and three assists.

Striker Nikolaï Pierre scored four goals, strengthening his reputation as a possible future replacement for senior national team striker Frantzdy Pierrot.

Midfielder Miguel Joseph controlled the tempo of matches with precise passing while helping disrupt opposing attacks.

Goalkeeper Clifford Gene faced limited pressure but delivered when called upon, producing several key saves.

After advancing to the next round, Les Petits Grenadiers now await the draw for the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, where they could face stronger opponents such as Canada and Costa Rica, which have also qualified.

The tournament will provide the clearest test yet of whether Haiti’s rising youth squad can truly become the country’s next generation of international stars.

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