Haiti beats Nicaragua 3–0 to top World Cup Qualifiers Group C

Haiti’s males’s nationwide soccer staff boosted its 2026 World Cup marketing campaign with a commanding 3–0 victory over Nicaragua on Thursday at Estadio Nacional de Fútbol in Managua. The win marked Haiti’s first within the closing qualifying spherical and lifted Les Grenadiers to the highest of Group C, edging out Honduras on aim distinction.

With targets from Duckens Nazon (12’), Danley Jean-Jacques (35’) and Don Deedson Louicius (90+2’), Haiti recorded its first win within the closing qualifying spherical. This victory marked an important step for Haiti towards regaining regional momentum for a second World Cup look after 52 years.

Haiti opened the scoring within the twelfth minute when newcomer Josué Casimir, making his senior begin, beat his marker on the fitting flank and delivered a pointy, low cross into the realm. A deflection discovered Nazon, who reacted shortly to tuck residence from shut vary. The striker’s aim was his sixth within the marketing campaign, extending his report as considered one of Haiti’s most constant finishers.

Constructing on that early lead, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde managed the tempo from midfield, utilizing deft dribbles and exact passing to dictate play and frustrate the Nicaraguan protection. His imaginative and prescient set the tone for Haiti’s attacking rhythm.

At 35’, Bellegarde’s completely positioned nook discovered Danley Jean-Jacques, who rose above his marker to move in Haiti’s second aim, giving Les Grenadiers a snug halftime benefit.

In stoppage time, Louicius put the outcome past doubt. Duke Lacroix drove down the left and despatched a pinpoint supply throughout aim for Louicius to complete with a composed left-footed strike within the 90+2’ minute.

Goalkeeper Johny Placide anchored the protection, making three key saves and incomes a clear sheet—Les Grenadiers’ second in three video games of the qualifiers.

The victory got here regardless of grueling match situations. About 20 minutes into the match, torrential rain soaked the artificial pitch, making ball management and visibility troublesome for either side. Across the twenty ninth minute, the stadium suffered an influence outage because of lightning and thunder, plunging the sector into darkness and forcing the referee to halt play.

Gamers from each groups have been despatched again to their locker rooms whereas technicians labored to revive the lights. After practically an hour delay, the match resumed on a drenched subject, with puddles forming throughout a number of areas of the pitch. Regardless of the chaos, Haiti’s composure and tactical self-discipline prevailed.

“The situations have been very difficult,” mentioned a member of the Haitian technical employees after the sport. “However the gamers stayed targeted and tailored to each issue. It reveals the resilience of this group.”

Standings, implications, context and outlook

The outcome strikes Haiti to 5 factors—tied with Honduras however forward on aim distinction—whereas Nicaragua stays backside of the group with one level.

Each groups return to motion Monday, with Haiti visiting Honduras and Nicaragua touring to Costa Rica within the subsequent spherical of the qualifiers.

This was Haiti’s third match within the CONCACAF closing qualifying spherical for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After drawing 0–0 with Honduras and three–3 with Costa Rica, this victory in Managua supplied the breakthrough the staff wanted.

It additionally prolonged Haiti’s dominance within the head-to-head matchup in opposition to Nicaragua to 6 wins, two attracts, and only one loss.

“The staff has proven it will possibly win on the highway beneath stress. The following matches will check whether or not this momentum can carry us towards our World Cup goals.”

Head Coach Sébastien Migné

The win got here amid troublesome situations, as a number of key Haitian gamers arrived late to camp because of journey challenges after enjoying their membership’s league video games with the roster being all-expats. Disruptions and ongoing insecurity again residence have prevented call-ups from native golf equipment. But, beneath stress, Les Grenadiers displayed unity and composure.

Head coach Sébastien Migné praised his staff’s self-discipline and depth, emphasizing that Haiti’s progress depends upon consistency within the subsequent fixtures.

Key performers and searching forward for Les Grenadiers

• Duckens Nazon: Opened the scoring and led the entrance line with dedication.
• Josué Casimir: Created the opener with a exact cross and relentless power on the wing.
• Jean-Ricner Bellegarde: Dictated the tempo with tight ball management, dribbles and beautiful passes, helping the second aim.
• Danley Jean-Jacques: Doubled the lead with an authoritative header.
• Don Deedson Louicius: Rounded off the victory with a medical late end.
• Johny Placide: Made key stops and earned a clear sheet to safe Haiti’s protection.

• Duke Lacroix: Tireless run on the left was rewarded with a exact supply to the again put up that  Louicius scored Haiti’s third aim from.                   

With three matches left within the spherical, Haiti’s 3–0 victory places the staff in a powerful place to problem for one of many group’s prime two spots, which might guarantee development to the following stage—or direct qualification—to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The win in Managua was not nearly factors—it was a reminder of Haiti’s potential. In opposition to adversity and on international soil, Les Grenadiers confirmed the grit and aptitude which have lengthy outlined Haitian soccer.

“The staff has proven it will possibly win on the highway beneath stress. The following matches will check whether or not this momentum can carry them towards the World Cup goals,” mentioned Head Coach Sébastien Migné

The following check awaits Monday, Oct. 13, at 8:00 p.m. EST, in Honduras, the place sustaining momentum might be important to maintaining their World Cup dream alive.

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