"FIFA's expanded 48-team World Cup in North America next summer promises to be the showpiece of the men's footballing calendar for 2026. With tournament debutants and countries such as Scotland, Austria and Norway returning to the competition for the first time in 28 years, there will be a great sense of occasion in the United States, Canada and Mexico. While 42 teams have already booked their spot at the Finals, six places are left up for grabs, via the intercontinental and UEFA play-off routes."
"The island nation are returning to the FIFA World Cup for only their second appearance, and a first in over 50 years, after topping their qualifying group. Despite being drawn alongside Honduras and Costa Rica, each of whom has appeared at the tournament in recent editions, Haiti secured top spot and a place at the Finals. The Haitian squad includes the likes of Burnley's Hannes Delcroix and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, as well as record goalscorer, Duckens Nazon, formerly of Coventry City and Oldham Athletic."
"However, the squad's star name would almost certainly have become ex-Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin, had the Frenchman not dismissed suggestions of a call-up. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Saint-Maximin's father is reportedly Haitian, meaning the 28-year-old would be eligible for a call-up through his parentage. The attacker, who plays for Club America in Mexico's Liga MX, has refuted the suggestion, however, stating he is not eligible and will"
FIFA will stage an expanded 48-team World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026, featuring debutants and returning nations. Forty-two teams have already qualified while six places remain via intercontinental and UEFA play-offs. Haiti topped its CONCACAF qualifying group ahead of Honduras and Costa Rica to secure only its second World Cup appearance and first in over 50 years. The Haitian squad includes Hannes Delcroix, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and record goalscorer Duckens Nazon. Reports suggested Allan Saint-Maximin could be eligible through a Haitian parent, but Saint-Maximin has refuted those claims and said he is not eligible.
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