Three World Cup Grenadiers receive heroes’ welcome in Cap-Haïtien after historic run 

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Hundreds of supporters lined the streets of Cap-Haïtien over the weekend to welcome three members of Haiti’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, celebrating a team that ended the country’s 52-year absence from soccer’s biggest tournament despite never playing a World Cup qualifier on home soil. 

Forward Duckens Nazon, defender Martin Expérience and goalkeeper Josué Duverger arrived at Cap-Haïtien International Airport to cheers from fans waving Haitian flags as rara bands and marching bands filled the airport grounds with music. 

“Cap-Haïtien has a special place in my heart,” Nazon said. “Thank you to everyone for this incredible welcome.”

For Expérience, who was born in France to a father from Saint-Marc in the Artibonite, the visit carried another first.

“This is my fourth visit to Haiti, but my first time in Cap-Haïtien,” he said. “I’m deeply moved by the welcome we’ve received. Seeing so many people come out to support us means a great deal.”

The celebration carried special significance because it brought home players from a national team built almost entirely by the Haitian diaspora. Security concerns forced Les Grenadiers to play every match of their World Cup qualifying campaign abroad, leaving supporters in Haiti unable to watch the team compete at home before it reached the tournament for the first time since 1974.

The homecoming also reunited the three Europe-based players with Woodensky Pierre of Violette Athletic Club, the only Haiti-based player selected to the World Cup roster. Pierre had returned to the country earlier alongside fellow midfielder Danley Jean-Jacques, who plies his trade with the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS). Together, the four players spent time in northern Haiti visiting residents, touring historical landmarks—including the Citadelle Laferrière—and relaxing at nearby beaches before continuing a broader nationwide tour.

The visit marked one of the first official celebrations held in Haiti since the national team’s return from the World Cup.

A celebration beyond soccer

Among those welcoming the players were Cap-Haïtien Municipal Commission President Michel Saint-Croix, North Department Tourism Director Lumas Pierrot, Deputy Government Delegate Rulz Angrand, Departmental Director of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Civic Action Monceau Gamaël and representatives of civil society, including social media darling Ariana Milagro Lafond.

During a ceremony in the airport’s diplomatic lounge, officials presented each player with commemorative plaques recognizing their contributions to Haiti’s return to the World Cup.

Outside, hundreds of supporters accompanied the players through the town before another ceremony at Cap-Haïtien’s City Hall.

Saint-Croix said the team’s achievement had given Haitians around the world a rare reason to celebrate together.

“You delivered an extraordinary performance that allows Haitians everywhere to hold their heads high,” he told the World Cup stars. “For too long, Haiti has often been associated with negative headlines and harmful stereotypes. Today, thanks to you, our flag is being carried proudly on the international stage.”

Saint-Croix also referenced the controversy surrounding Haiti’s original World Cup jerseys after FIFA required the removal of designs inspired by the Battle of Vertières.

“Trying to remove Vertières from the team’s uniforms had the opposite effect,” he said. “People around the world are now asking about the history of Vertières and why it is so important to Haiti.”

Reconnecting with home

Later, during a press conference at City Hall, the players reflected on both their World Cup experience and the emotional reception they received in northern Haiti.

“Haiti has tremendous potential, and we all have a role to play in helping the country move forward,” Expérience said. “I sincerely thank the Haitian people for all the love they’ve shown us.”

For many supporters, the visit represented more than a victory parade. With nearly every World Cup player having grown up or developed professionally abroad, the homecoming offered a rare opportunity for fans to connect personally with the team that carried Haiti’s colors onto the world’s biggest sporting stage.

The players’ itinerary also showcased northern Haiti’s tourism and cultural heritage. Alongside Pierre, they visited the Citadelle Laferrière, one of the country’s most iconic historic sites, toured beaches around Cap-Haïtien and nearby towns, and met residents throughout the region before continuing their nationwide tour.

Nazon said qualifying for the World Cup remains one of the defining moments of his career.

“Qualifying for the World Cup remains one of the proudest moments of my career,” he told a pool of local reporters. 

“We secured our place on Nov. 18, a date with deep historical significance for Haiti. That achievement belongs to the entire Haitian people.”

The players are expected to continue their homecoming tour in Port-au-Prince and southern Haiti, where additional celebrations are planned to honor Les Grenadiers’ historic return to the FIFA World Cup after more than five decades.

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