Some qualifications mean more than trophies. Haiti's qualification for the 2026 World Cup is one of them. Fifty-two years after their only appearance at the World Cup, in 1974, the Rouge et Bleu booked their ticket for the United States, Canada and Mexico after a campaign that has lifted an entire nation.
Jean-Kevin Duverne, central defender on loan at Gent from FC Nantes and a key figure for the Grenadiers, embodies this generation that has transformed the face of Haitian football. Before facing Brazil, Morocco and Scotland, he gave an exclusive interview to Flashscore.
Haiti are playing their first World Cup since 1974. When you found out Haiti had qualified, how did you feel?
"Yes, honestly, first World Cup since 1974, it's been 52 years that the people, that we Haitians, the players, our families, have been waiting for this.
"And honestly, the feeling is huge - I can't even explain it, because it hasn't really sunk in yet. The tournament is coming soon, but I think it will hit me at the first match."
You said to Flashscore in 2024 that it was "a dream to play in the World Cup, obviously like for any player, but also as a Haitian because the country has been waiting for this since 1974". Now that it's real, has the dream changed?
"Yes, it's true that in 2024 I said it was a dream to play in the World Cup. Now here we are in the tournament, it's honestly incredible. All the players, we're excited to know we're going to play Brazil, Morocco, Scotland - they're great teams, we're going to give it everything.
"Has the dream changed? No, because the dream is still there, and now it's more real than ever. We've qualified, we've done everything to get here. So now, we're going to fight and show the whole world that we're a good team, that we can respond, and that we're ready to do whatever it takes to make our mark in this tournament."
Brazil, Morocco, Scotland… what was your reaction when you saw the group?
"To be honest, I laughed. Qualifying was already a first step, and the draw came much later, but it was exciting waiting to find out our group.
"Just qualifying for the tournament was already incredible. And then we get Brazil, Morocco, Scotland – what more could you want? Playing against such great teams, it's fantastic."
Which of the three opponents do you personally fear the most?
"Honestly, at this level, everyone is tough. They're all great teams, let's not kid ourselves. We're just going to play our football, that's all."
You'll have to mark Vini…
"Marking Vinicius, McTominay, Rafinha, Hakimi… they're all top players. The whole team will have to mark everyone. We're just going to play our football – any opponent who comes into our area is fair game."
Is there another opposing player you're looking forward to facing?
"Any player, honestly. Just playing in this tournament is incredible. As long as we have a good tournament and go far, any opponent is good to face. We're not going to pick and choose – whoever comes our way, we'll deal with it."
What concrete goal have you and the team set for this World Cup?
"First, a collective goal, because we qualified together. I think we need to focus on that throughout the tournament – team cohesion is fundamental. If we're good collectively, individual qualities will naturally shine through."
You were born in Paris, you wore the France U20 shirt. How did you experience the choice to represent Haiti?
"It was an easy choice, honestly. Especially for my family, who were very happy to see me represent the country - my mother, my brothers, my sisters, my wife, even my children.
"Seeing them happy is a source of pride. And from the Haitian people, you feel a lot of love, a lot of energy when you're called up. All the strength they give you at every match… it was a very good decision for me, I have no regrets."
The Haitian team has grown stronger thanks to the arrival of dual nationals. Do you feel there's been a real transformation in the group in recent years?
"Yes, it's true we've grown stronger. There's a lot more quality in the team, but there was quality before as well – it just adds something extra. Now, it's about finding the right understanding and team cohesion - that's what will make us strong."
What does Haiti mean to you in everyday life, away from football?
"We're warriors, we don't give up. Every day is a battle. You know very well that life is hard in the country, that many people don't have a good quality of life - and yet, you see so many with a smile, with spirit, happy despite everything. I find that really, really powerful.
I think about them all the time, because the situation in the country is very complicated, and it affects us every day - me, my teammates, all Haitians.
"It's sad, and at the same time you see people who never give up. Some are ready to pay for a match ticket to see us play rather than eat. It's not an easy situation, but we deal with it. You can't have everything in life, so you really shouldn't complain - that's all I have to say."
