Haiti opens Nations League under Badia, with teen Miguel Joseph in line for senior debut

Haiti opens its CONCACAF Nations League campaign Thursday against Trinidad and Tobago at Sabina Park, with new coach David Badia making his competitive debut and 17-year-old midfielder Miguel Joseph in line for his first senior minutes. The Grenadiers, playing their first competitive match since the World Cup, are looking to end a four-match losing run.

Badia, a Spaniard, was appointed by the Haitian Football Federation in August 2026. His first squad blends World Cup veterans with newcomers, including Joseph, the youngest name on the list

Midfielder Miguel Joseph earned his first senior call-up this week, joining the group as a late addition alongside Lovend’s Delinois after Josué Casimir and Woodensky Pierre dropped out.

Joseph has been one of Haiti’s most closely watched young players. Analysts have praised his technique, vision and ability to break lines with passing. He also scored a free kick in the earlier U-20 qualifying round.

The call-up comes as Joseph prepares for a global stage with the youth side. Haiti is in Group D of the U-17 World Cup in Qatar with France, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and the tournament runs Nov. 19 to Dec. 13. Senior minutes now could give him an edge going into that event.

For the senior team, expectations are high. Haiti has never won a League A match, and this is its third stint in the top tier. The Grenadiers have not beaten Trinidad and Tobago in a competitive match since the 2013 Gold Cup, though they are unbeaten in their last four meetings.

Badia is also working without some familiar names. Johny Placide and Ricardo Adé have retired from international football, and Duckens Nazon was left off the list.

Haiti stays in Kingston to face Costa Rica on Sunday, then travels to the Dominican Republic on Oct. 1 before returning to Costa Rica on Oct. 4.