"Tens of thousands of Haitians poured into the streets of Port-au-Prince late Tuesday to celebrate the country's first berth in the World Cup in more than 50 years, a rare outburst of public joy in the beleaguered Caribbean nation. Soccer is Haiti's most popular sport, and Haitians follow the quadrennial tournament avidly, despite limited electricity and intermittent reception. But with little international success, they typically support South American powers Argentina or Brazil."
"The Grenadiers secured their first tournament appearance since 1974 Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over Nicaragua in Willemstad, Curaçao, where they have been based since their home stadium in Haiti's capital fell under gang control last year. The World Cup will be hosted next year by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Heavily armed criminal organizations drove schoolteacher Osma Joseph and his family out of the Carrefour-Feuilles neighborhood of Port-au-Prince in 2023. He joined in the post-match revelry."
"He joined in the post-match revelry. "It's extraordinary, especially given the country's chaotic situation," Joseph told The Washington Post. "It shows us the country will not perish. It's a source of price for all Haitians because this victory is a spark that can bring peace back to the country.""
Tens of thousands of Haitians celebrated in Port-au-Prince after the national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974. The Grenadiers secured qualification with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua in Willemstad, Curaçao, where the team has been based because their home stadium fell under gang control. Soccer remains Haiti's most popular sport despite limited electricity and intermittent reception. The celebrations coincided with Battle of Vertières Day. The nation of 12 million faces overlapping crises, including no president since the 2021 assassination of Jovenel Moïse, no legislature since 2023, gangs controlling much of the capital, and 1.3 million displaced.
Read at The Washington Post
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