The Importance of Soccer for Haitians: Uniting the Nation Through the Game

Soccer: A Bonding Thread for the Haitian Community

I vividly remember the Sunday I realized just how significant the World Cup was for my mother, a Haitian immigrant. In the summer of 1994, she made the bold decision to leave church early so we could catch the final match between Brazil and Italy. In Little Haiti, Brooklyn, where I grew up, skipping church was almost unheard of. Yet, my mother took that leap, and even at the tender age of six, I knew this moment would be one to remember.

Forty Years of Waiting

As of now, the Haitian national team, Le Grenadiers, hasn’t participated in the World Cup since 1974. However, this upcoming event carries special significance as Haiti returns to the World Cup qualifying rounds for 2026. They are set to face Scotland on June 13 in Boston. The feeling of witnessing what my parents experienced just once in their lifetime is hard to put into words. Jerry Casamir, a Haitian living in Florida, recalls being in South Korea and not being able to contain his excitement when he learned that the team had qualified.

A Unified Haitian Community

On social media, images of Haitians celebrating are filled with joy. Parades and cheers unite people of all ages and backgrounds. For Jemmy Marc, a Washington DC resident originally from Haiti, the team’s qualification brings a sense of closeness to his homeland. As soon as the news broke, he called his friends to celebrate and plan to watch the upcoming matches together.

Challenges Back Home

However, returning to Haiti to watch the games is not an option due to the current humanitarian crisis. The country is still grappling with the aftermath of the 2021 earthquake and a failed coup. Armed gangs have plunged Haiti into violence, with the airport in Port-Au-Prince closed, forcing the team to play their matches abroad.

A Moment of Representation

Despite the difficulties, the national team's qualification for the World Cup has sparked excitement within the Haitian community. Adele Austin, a Haitian living in New York, believes this achievement alleviates some of the pessimism she has felt since July 2021. “This is a wonderful moment for representation in sports,” she shares, “and with a large Haitian community living in the U.S., it allows us to engage more in the World Cup experience.”

The Dream of Playing Soccer

Over the years, many Haitians have cheered for Brazil as a way to express national pride. When Brazil won its first World Cup in 24 years in 1994, I was filled with vivid memories painted in the yellow and green of that team. Legendary Brazilian player Pelé became a role model for many, especially in Africa and the Caribbean, leaving behind a legacy of thousands of goals and being the youngest player ever to win a World Cup.

The Haitian Spirit

The slogan of Haiti, “L’Union Fait La Force,” translates to “Unity Makes Strength.” During the summers spent watching the World Cup at my aunts' homes, even though we were only allowed to cheer for specific teams, the gatherings filled with Haitian and American food created a spirit of togetherness. Geographic distances faded away as we cheered for our team.

Anticipating the Moment

This summer, Haitians will gather around radios or at restaurants with generators to watch the matches, despite the poor infrastructure. For me, living in Los Angeles, returning to New York to watch soccer together brings me closer to my roots. I plan to wear my Haiti jersey and cheer alongside elders who can hardly believe we are experiencing such a moment. I look forward to sharing laughter and joy during the upcoming matches.

Article adapted and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler