Haitian diaspora in Miami celebrates nation's World Cup return

The Little Haiti neighbourhood of Miami is buzzing as Haiti qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – its first appearance since 1974. Residents plan large watch parties, with a local food‑truck operator installing a television at his stall so customers can follow the matches. The Haitian national team will open the tournament against Scotland in Boston on 19 June, then face Brazil in Philadelphia on 19 June and Morocco in Atlanta on 24 June; no games will be staged in Florida where the diaspora is concentrated.

Haiti earned its spot by defeating Costa Rica (1‑0) and Nicaragua (2‑0) in the final CONCACAF qualifying round, benefiting from the automatic qualification of regional hosts Canada, the United States and Mexico. Despite the country’s severe humanitarian and security crisis, the community in Miami remains proud, with coach James Lis saying, “The people were extremely happy, they went crazy with the World Cup.” The celebrations reflect both nostalgia for the 1974 debut and hopes for a first World Cup victory.

The excitement underscores the strong cultural ties of the Haitian diaspora in the United States, which numbers about half of the 850,000 Haitians living in the country.