Haiti's South Florida friendlies set as countdown to Brazil opener hits 16 days

With the tournament 16 days away, Haiti's pre-World Cup preparation is taking shape around two high-profile friendlies in South Florida. The Grenadiers will face New Zealand on June 2 and Peru on June 5, both matches deliberately staged in the Miami area to tap into the region's large Haitian diaspora. Karl-Philippe Alexis, head of marketing and communications for the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), confirmed the choice was intentional: "Miami represents something deeper for us."

Haiti's 26-man squad, announced May 15 by coach Sébastien Migné, is dominated by diaspora players active in European and North American leagues. Key names include midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, forward Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal FC), Frantzdy Pierrot (Çaykur Rizespor, on loan), Carlens Arcus (Angers, Ligue 1), and defender Jean-Kévin Duverne (Gent, Belgian Pro League). USL Championship veteran Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs Switchbacks, age 32) was also named after his role in CONCACAF Nations League matches.

Haiti are drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland — a bracket that offers limited margin for error but genuine opportunity to record a historic result. The squad is set to base itself in New Jersey during the tournament.