22 June,2026 09:24 AM IST | Philadelphia | Ada Khan
New York-based Haiti fan Sergio Luci at Philadelphia Stadium; (right) New Jersey-based Haiti fan Maruska Moise. Pics/Ada Khan
Haiti fans are soaking in the FIFA World Cup atmosphere here wholeheartedly with the singing and dancing in the streets. Even a 0-3 defeat to Brazil at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium) on Friday (their second defeat after losing 0-1 to Scotland previously), ending all hopes of qualifying for the Round of 32, has not dampened their spirits one bit. In fact, the supporters of the Caribbean nation were proud to see their countrymen face one of the world's footballing powerhouses in Brazil.
Interestingly, for years, Haiti's fans have supported Brazil at the World Cup. This was the first time the Haitian national team faced Brazil in the showpiece event. Previously the sides had only met in a Copa America Group Stage match in 2016 and at a couple of International Friendlies in 2004 and 2006.
"It was an emotional moment for us," said US-based Haitian fan Sergio Luci, who attended the match with his family. "We have qualified after five decades. And it's a big occasion to play Brazil. Our team played well, but there's clearly a huge gap between us and Brazil. We also made some mistakes, but hopefully, we will learn from this," added Sergio.
Another Haiti fan, Maruska Moise, travelled from New Jersey to Philadelphia with a friend. "I have Haitian roots, but I was born in New Jersey. We were all excited after Haiti qualified for the World Cup and made plans to watch this game and be part of history. Watching Haiti play Brazil was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Moise.
Meanwhile, Haiti head coach Sebastien Migne praised his boys for battling bigger teams and urged fans to keep supporting them. "It's an honour for us to be back on the world stage, especially facing a quality side like Brazil. I hope the fans keep believing in the team. It's an inexperienced side that hasn't often faced top sides, but playing in such a big competition will help them progress and improve," he said.
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