A Beacon of Resilience on the International Stage
By LJ Cange | The Haitian Pulse | June 2025
Road to the Gold Cup: A Dominant Performance
The Haitian national soccer team, known as Les Grenadiers, has officially secured its place in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, delivering a series of stunning performances during the Nations League qualifiers.
Led by standout players Frantzdy Pierrot and Duckens Nazon, Haiti finished its campaign with a commanding 8–0 victory over Sint Maarten, scoring a total of 26 goals in five matches—the highest in their group. This not only clinched Haiti’s spot in the tournament but also marked their return to League A, positioning the team among the region’s elite.
The players dedicated this victory to veteran defender Méchack Jérôme, who suffered a serious injury earlier this year. Their unity and determination echoed the heart of a nation that continues to fight against the odds.
Group D Schedule: Facing the Giants
Haiti has been placed in Group D alongside:
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Saudi Arabia
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Trinidad & Tobago
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United States
The match lineup is as follows:
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June 15 — vs. Saudi Arabia, Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego, CA)
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June 19 — vs. Trinidad & Tobago, Shell Energy Stadium (Houston, TX)
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June 22 — vs. United States, AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The Gold Cup Final will be held on July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Travel Restrictions: A Bittersweet Reality
Although exceptions have been made for Haitian athletes to travel and participate in the tournament, many Haitian fans are blocked by current U.S. travel restrictions. While the team will compete on American soil, supporters in Haiti may not be able to cheer them on in person—another painful reminder of the political and security crises gripping the country.
Yet even in absence, the Haitian diaspora and those at home remain deeply invested in the team's journey, uniting across borders in spirit.
The Pulse Perspective: More Than Just Football
At The Haitian Pulse, we believe that the Grenadiers’ story transcends sport. It reflects the resilience, hope, and spirit of a people who refuse to be defined by crisis.
In the face of gang violence, political instability, and international isolation, Haiti’s national team represents what Haiti can be when united: powerful, focused, and proud.
This tournament is not just about goals and trophies. It’s about national dignity, global recognition, and the reminder that Haiti still has fighters—and believers.
Join the Conversation
What does this Gold Cup journey mean to you?
How can sports inspire unity and strength in the face of national adversity?
👇 Leave your thoughts in the comments. Let’s celebrate not just the team—but the spirit of every Haitian standing tall behind them.
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