Haiti Returns to FIFA World Cup After 52 Years, Eyes Historic Match Against Scotland
Haiti will make its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup on June 13, 2026, when the Grenadiers face Scotland in Boston, Massachusetts, marking the nation’s first appearance in the tournament since 1974. The match, part of the Group Stage, has generated immense anticipation across the Caribbean nation and its diaspora, particularly in the U.S., where Boston hosts one of the largest Haitian communities.
For Zachary Herivaux, a former Haitian international and Boston native, the event carries personal and cultural significance. Born to a Haitian father and Japanese mother, Herivaux moved to Chestnut Hill as a child and later joined the New England Revolution academy, representing Haiti at the U-17 and U-20 levels before earning 19 caps for the senior team between 2017 and 2021. “Haiti means everything to me,” Herivaux said in a 2023 interview with *Inside FIFA*. “The country’s challenges are undeniable, but its people have an unmatched ability to inspire.”
The match in Boston underscores the global reach of Haitian football. Frantzdy Pierrot, the Grenadiers’ star striker, is a local hero in Massachusetts, where Governor Maura Healey declared May 26 “Frantzdy Pierrot Day” to honor his role in the team’s qualification. “This is more than a game—it’s a celebration of identity and resilience,” said Herivaux, who plans to attend the match. “Haitians always deliver. There will be a vibrant atmosphere, and I predict a 2-1 victory.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has emphasized the unifying power of football, a theme echoed by Haitian fans worldwide. While the outcome remains uncertain, the return to the World Cup symbolizes a pivotal moment for a nation grappling with political instability and economic hardship. As the Grenadiers prepare for their historic clash, the world watches to see if Haiti can reclaim its place on the global stage.
For now, the focus remains on the June 13 match, with supporters in Boston and beyond rallying behind a team that embodies hope and perseverance. “This is a chapter worth celebrating,” Herivaux said. “No matter the result, Haiti’s story is one of pride.”
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