HAITI

There’s something fitting about Martin Expérience’s surname. On the pitch, he plays with experience beyond his years. Born in France but proudly tied to his Haitian roots, he carved his path through the rugged lower divisions before earning his place with Nancy, where he is swapping obscurity for packed terraces and bigger stages, as part of the team that won promotion to Ligue 2 in 2025. When Haiti sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup, Expérience could hardly contain himself. “Playing in a World Cup is extraordinary, no matter whom we face,” he said - before the draw paired them with Brazil, the country of his childhood idol, Neymar. Since debuting for Haiti in 2021 he has brought steel and stamina to the Grenadiers’ back line, a modern full-back shaped by hard miles, big dreams and a flag he wears with pride.

The first thing you notice about Deedson is the blur: by the time defenders react, he is already gone. From Haiti to the United States – where he originally moved aged 15 – via the windswept grounds of Denmark, for Deedson, every sprint feels personal, every goal a message home. He plays on the edge of chaos: skilful, always driving forward as if the pitch was tilting in his favour. For Haiti, he has become more than a threat: he’s a spark. He scored the opening goal in the game against Nicaragua that sealed his nation’s place at the World Cup, a strike loaded with history. Deedson isn’t defined by trophies, yet, but by the feeling he leaves behind. “This is the best feeling in my career so far,” he said of that goal. “It’s my feeling, and then the fans’ feeling, and then my family feeling back home.” Off the pitch, he is quieter, grounded by his journey. Those close to him speak of a player deeply attached to Haiti, carrying its flag with pride wherever he goes like football is not just a career, but a responsibility.

On the bustling pitches of Haiti’s Petit-Goâve, Danley Jean Jacques tackled as if survival was on the line. Friends swear he hated defeat so much he replayed matches in his head before sleep. That fire carried him from Don Bosco’s domestic title-winners to the hard grind of Metz, and on to Philadelphia in 2024. Quick across the grass, powerful in the air and fearless in the duel, he plays like a storm at the heart of midfield. In France Jean Jacques bulldozed through games, helping Metz secure promotion to Ligue 1. For Haiti he has scored vital goals, fists clenched, eyes closed in gratitude, as the Grenadiers chased history. Five years after leaving Haiti for France he has not lost his love of Haitian culture and cuisine - his favourite is diri ak sos pwa, rice with a black bean puree. “That’s the best,” he says. “Especially when my mother cooks it.” Will feel particularly at home when Haiti play Brazil – the game will be played at Philadelphia Stadium, his home ground.