Haiti unveils U-17 World Cup squad as young Grenadiers prepare for Qatar
The Fédération Haïtienne de Football (FHF) has released, on august 11, the list of young Grenadiers called up to represent Haiti at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the squad is now in training camp in Port-au-Prince, where it has begun preparations for the tournament in Qatar.
In a Facebook post,tThe FHF describes the squad as a new generation working with discipline and determination to represent Haiti on the world’s biggest stage, the first phase of that preparation unfolding at home before the team departs for the Gulf.
The call-up caps a qualifying run that saw Haiti punch its ticket with a 2-1 win over Guatemala in February, a result that secured the team’s second consecutive World Cup berth and its fourth overall appearance in the competition’s history, following 2007, 2019, and 2025.
Group D: A Tough Draw
At the FIFA draw held in Zurich on May 21, Haiti was placed in Group D alongside France, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, in a 48-team competition that will run in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, 2026. It’s a demanding group, mixing European pedigree, Gulf hosting-region strength, and South American technical tradition, for a young Haitian side making just its second straight World Cup trip.
Head coach Kowsky Sainvil, who has led the U-17s through qualifying and previously coached Haiti’s U-20 team in 2016, said he was satisfied with the draw despite its difficulty. He remains convinced that with a solid preparation program, the team can spring a surprise, advance past the group stage, and go even further in the competition.
The Goal
The 2026 format expands to 48 teams split into 12 groups of four. The top two finishers in each group advance automatically to the round of 32, joined by the eight best third-place teams, meaning Haiti doesn’t need to finish in the top two of a tough group to keep its World Cup alive; a strong third-place finish could be enough.
That’s the real target for these Grenadiers: beyond simply competing, the goal is to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in the country’s U-17 history. In Haiti’s three prior appearances, the team has never advanced out of the group stage. Breaking that pattern, even via the third-place route, would be a milestone for Haitian youth football, and the new generation now training in Port-au-Prince carries that hope with it.
The Squad list
Goalkeepers: Clifford Gene (Mont Plaisant), Rodnelson Dor (LEG-AZ), Stéphane Roney J. Gilles (EFYSMO), Fred Josme (ANAC)
Defenders: Stanley Louis, Adolphe Guerrier, Jeff Guillaume, Sonson Junior Jean Baptiste, Jourdlyn Louis Clervius (all ANAC); Danrick Junior Dalcé (EXAFOOT); Wismayli Laguerre (Mercure FC); Jean Woodsen Junior Thélisca (SLG); Marc Bryan Douge (DBPV); Guivens Barjon (SLGA); Widson Albert (OFC); Woolens Origène (Baltimor FC)
Midfielders: Miguel Joseph, Rolph Casillas Kenley Julien (both EXAFOOT); Phaden Rhode Louissaint (SLGA); Mikenley Chéry (Real Hope FA); Alens Junior Mathieu (ANAO); Théo Benjamin Lacombe (FO DAMM); Beerly Sedrico Charles (JAF); Sleeve Mérine (Miragoâne); Marc Wendy Jemy Loodenchy Joachim (MAC)
Forwards: John-Widy Kerry Noré Beltonn (Les Cayes FC); Delima Joseph, Marc Wendy Jemy Loodenchy Joachim’s teammate Delima Joseph (MAC); Emerson Laisse (Mont Plaisant); Ralph Evens Jean Pierre (JFA); Patrickson Augustin, Morvenson Joseph (both FICA); Macenat Kensley Prophète (Real Hope FA); Marvenly Exilas (Miragoâne FC); Ewald Neil (ESP Miami); Lheandro Fils-Aimé (AC RQ); Schneidisson Théramène (RFC); Gnerson Gervais (AFC); Bob Philias (SLG); Jean Wilendy Elysée (Respire Haïti)
