Port-au-Prince — Haiti’s football federation has named a 34-man provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, headlined by two Premier League stars making their competitive debuts in the blue-and-red jersey. Wilson Isidor, 23, the Lorient forward, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, 24, the Wolves midfielder, are set to lead a revitalized Haitian side aiming to surpass their 1974 World Cup qualification efforts.
The federation confirmed the squad on Monday, with manager Gabriel Calderón opting for a blend of domestic-based players and those plying their trade in Europe. Isidor, who has scored four goals in 12 Ligue 1 appearances this season, and Bellegarde, with one goal and three assists in 15 Premier League games, bring elite experience to a squad desperate for firepower.
Key Points
- ⚽️ Wilson Isidor and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde included in Haiti’s 34-man provisional squad
- 🌍 First time Haiti has selected Europe-based players for a competitive campaign
- 📅 Squad announced ahead of March qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The inclusion of Isidor and Bellegarde reflects a strategic shift under Calderón, who took charge in August 2024 and has prioritized integrating players from top European leagues. Their experience in high-pressure environments could prove decisive in Haiti’s Group C qualifiers against Canada, Curaçao, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Haiti’s last World Cup appearance was in 1974, and their qualification for 2026 would mark a historic milestone. The squad also features a mix of emerging talents and seasoned campaigners, including goalkeeper Olrish Saurel and defender Daniel James, both of whom have over 20 caps.
| Player | Club | Position | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Isidor | Lorient | Forward | 18 |
| Jean-Ricner Bellegarde | Wolves | Midfielder | 22 |
| Olrish Saurel | Don Bosco | Goalkeeper | 31 |
| Daniel James | Violette AC | Defender | 24 |
The March qualifiers kick off on March 23 against Curaçao, with Haiti’s first home game scheduled for March 26 at the Sylvio Cator Stadium in Port-au-Prince. The federation has emphasized the importance of these fixtures, describing them as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to advance.
📋 By The Numbers
- 1974 — Last time Haiti qualified for a FIFA World Cup
- 4 — Goals scored by Isidor in Ligue 1 this season
- 2 — Players based in Europe included in the squad
Calderón’s tactics will rely heavily on Isidor’s pace and Bellegarde’s creativity, with the midfielder often deployed as an advanced playmaker. The manager has also hinted at a more pressing, high-tempo style of play to disrupt opponents accustomed to Haiti’s traditional defensive approach.
The federation has secured sponsorship deals to fund a pre-tournament training camp in Miami, where the squad will fine-tune their preparations. Fans in Port-au-Prince have already begun organizing viewing parties, with ticket sales for home games expected to surpass previous campaigns.
💡 Pro Tip
For fans traveling to Port-au-Prince for Haiti’s home qualifiers, arrive early—security checks at Sylvio Cator Stadium can take up to 45 minutes, and local transport options are limited post-match.
The provisional squad will be whittled down to 23 players ahead of the March fixtures, with Calderón expected to make key decisions based on fitness and tactical considerations. The federation has also announced a public training session in Port-au-Prince on March 20, giving supporters a rare glimpse of the team’s preparations.
- 🔥 Isidor and Bellegarde bring Premier League pedigree to Haiti’s attack
- 🗓️ Squad announcement comes ahead of critical March qualifiers
- ⚠️ High stakes as Haiti bids to end 52-year World Cup drought