LITTLE HAITI – Haitian Americans across South Florida are celebrating after Haiti's national team punched its ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua in Curaçao, marking the country's first World Cup appearance in more than 50 years.

For Haitians, it's "futbol," and it took just two goals for Les Grenadiers to lift a nation that has endured years of political turmoil, gang violence, and deep uncertainty.

Videos from watch parties in Haiti show fans erupting and taking over the streets at the final whistle as the announcer shouted, "and there's the goal…" After more than half a century, Haiti is back on the sport's biggest stage.

Former player recalls past glory

Ernst "ZeNono" Jean-Baptiste of Pembroke Pines , a former player, coach, and now advisor to the H

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