Haiti football team readies for 2026 World Cup after striker rejects call‑up and schedules friendly vs Peru

Lens striker Odsonne Édouard, 28, declined a late invitation to join Haiti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, saying he had not taken part in the qualifiers and felt it would be disrespectful to his teammates. He stated, “Los jugadores lucharon para clasificarse y yo no podía aparecer en el último momento para aprovecharme,” adding that if he were to play he must earn his place.

Édouard’s decision leaves a spot open for other forwards as Haiti prepares for its second-ever World Cup appearance, where it will be drawn in Group C with Brazil, Spain and Morocco and open the tournament against Scotland on 13 June in Boston.

In preparation, Haiti will face Peru in a friendly on 5 June at the NU Stadium in Miami (19:00 Peru time). The match, broadcast on América TV, ATV and Movistar, gives both teams a chance to fine‑tune ahead of upcoming qualifiers and the World Cup. Peru, coached by Mano Menezes, will use the game to build confidence after recent draws, while Haiti seeks competitive minutes before the tournament.