Overview:
With Haiti’s nationwide crew qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the nation has a uncommon—maybe distinctive—alternative to enhance its international picture via sports activities diplomacy. Coverage analyst Esnold Jure argues that Haitian officers ought to undertake a coordinated, long-term technique—partaking athletes, cultural ambassadors and the diaspora—to leverage soccer, popularly identified in the US as soccer, as a overseas coverage instrument.
As soon as praised for its cultural richness, opulence and the innate heroism of its individuals, Haiti now extra typically makes worldwide headlines for poverty, violence and continual instability. Les Grenadiers’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup provides a uncommon alternative to alter that narrative. Extra importantly, it provides the Haitian authorities an opportunity to make soccer [known as soccer in the United States]—and sports activities extra broadly—a vital pillar of its overseas coverage toolkit.
“Soccer is apolitical,” claims FIFA. But, the truth is starkly completely different. First, all the pieces is political. Second, leaders all through historical past have used sports activities, notably soccer, to advance political priorities.
Greater than 2,000 years in the past, the Chinese language performed Cuju (kick-ball) for leisure and social bonding, whereas troopers practiced it for navy coaching. The Mesoamerican communities used ball games for dispute resolution, amongst different functions. In Historical Greece, kings from warring city-states established the Olympic Truce to permit athletes to take part safely in what’s now identified at present because the Olympic Video games. In trendy occasions, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, referred to as Pelé, the king of football, by no means performed in Europe as a result of President Jânio Quadros formally declared him a “nationwide treasure”—his presence helped hold a turbulent Brazil united. In 2004, the United Nations organized the Game for Peace, bringing Brazil’s star-studded nationwide crew to Port-au-Prince to play Haiti in assist of stabilization efforts following years of violence.
Extra lately, the Gulf states—primarily the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia—have used sports activities to diversify their oil-dependent economies and tender energy. The UAE purchased English Premier League membership Manchester Metropolis in 2008 for $360 million. Qatar disbursed round $131 million to amass the French Ligue 1 crew Paris Saint-Germain. Along with buying Newcastle, one other English top-flight membership, the Saudis have invested over a billion {dollars} to carry gamers akin to Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to their skilled soccer league. These efforts haven’t solely enhanced these international locations’ international picture however have additionally remodeled them into influential diplomatic partners to Western powers on vital worldwide points.
These examples present that whereas soccer entertains, politicians have lengthy leveraged its recognition and talent to enthrall hearts and minds as an efficient political and diplomatic instrument.
As we speak, few occasions can present the FIFA World Cup’s distinctive international publicity. Subsequently, Haiti ought to leverage its participation and a instrument that has labored for over 3,000 years to rebrand itself.
Haiti ought to seize this second
First, the federal government—working via the ministries of Tradition and Communication and International Affairs, alongside the Haitian Soccer Federation (FHF)—ought to develop a coordinated communications and branding technique aligned with the World Cup. With a transparent core message, officers can encourage supporters to amplify optimistic narratives, set up fan gatherings close to match venues and promote Haitian tradition via social media and public occasions.
Second, in cities internet hosting Haiti’s matches, diplomatic missions ought to set up pre-game cultural occasions to showcase Haiti’s historical past, artwork and tradition. These moments can attain audiences far past conventional diplomatic circles.
Third, Haiti ought to extra deliberately interact its influential athletes and cultural figures—particularly inside the diaspora—as casual ambassadors. Many already defend the nation publicly and problem adverse stereotypes. A coordinated strategy would assist guarantee Haiti’s World Cup presence leaves an enduring impression past the pitch.
Past the 2026 World Cup, Haiti ought to make soccer and sports activities extra central to its overseas coverage. The nation at present has Melchie Dumornay, who went from enjoying within the streets of Mirebalais to inspiring followers worldwide and now competing for one of many high ladies’s golf equipment in Europe. From Jean-Ricner Bellegarde competing in opposition to the very best within the English Premier League, to Fafa Picault sharing a dressing room with stars like Messi, to Lewis Cine serving to the Philadelphia Eagles safe their second Tremendous Bowl, Haiti has many sports activities ambassadors.
Though not formally representing Haiti in sports activities, figures akin to tennis star Naomi Osaka and NBA gamers Luguentz Dort and Bennedict Mathurin—who proudly embrace their Haitian heritage—might additionally function influential ambassadors. Haiti’s policymakers should strategically appeal to, assist and be sure that these abilities profit the homeland.
In an more and more inward-looking world, international locations like Haiti—lengthy depending on exterior help—face rising obstacles to securing worldwide assist. Sports activities diplomacy provides an alternate path. By showcasing Haiti’s tradition, historical past and expertise, the nation can appeal to optimistic consideration, stimulate tourism when situations permit, and foster partnerships with international establishments. Funding in sports activities infrastructure and expertise growth also can create jobs and increase financial alternative.
For a lot of Haitians, soccer is greater than a sport. Duckens Nazon captured that fact when he rallied his teammates earlier than the decisive World Cup qualifier in opposition to Nicaragua, reminding them that thousands and thousands of struggling Haitians positioned their hopes on their ft.
Haiti has earned its place on the world stage. Now policymakers should guarantee it stays there—by harnessing soccer not solely as a supply of delight, however as a strategic diplomatic instrument. A transfer that may assist the nation capitalize on the socio-economic alternatives that “the gorgeous sport” can provide.