Haiti Qualifies for 2026 World Cup Despite National Crisis and Reliance on Overseas Players

海地儘管面臨國家危機且依賴海外球員，仍成功晉級 2026 年世界盃

Jun 12, 2026, 08:26

Introduction

The Haitian men's national football team is set to play in the 2026 World Cup, which is their first time appearing in the tournament since 1974.

海地男子國家足球隊將參加 2026 年世界盃，這是他們自 1974 年以來首次重返該賽事。

Main Body

The 26-man squad shows a strong reliance on the Haitian diaspora. Only ten players were born in Haiti, and only one plays for a local club. Many players were born in France, which is likely because France has a very strong state-funded sports system. In contrast, although many Haitians live in the United States, only two U.S.-born players were chosen, showing a difference in how professional players are developed in the two countries.

這支 26 人的名單顯示出對海地海外僑民的強烈依賴。僅有 10 名球員在海地出生，且只有 1 名在當地球會效力。許多球員在法國出生，這很可能是因為法國擁有非常強大的國家資助體育系統。相比之下，儘管許多海地人居住在美國，但僅有 2 名美國出生的球員入選，顯示出兩國在培養專業球員方面的差異。

Political instability and security issues have seriously affected the team's training. Coach Sébastien Migné and several players cannot visit Haiti because international flights have stopped and gangs control many areas, including the capital, Port-au-Prince. Consequently, the national stadium has been closed since February 2024, meaning qualifying matches had to be played in Curaçao. Furthermore, U.S. visa restrictions will likely prevent many local fans from attending the tournament.

政治不穩定與治安問題嚴重影響了球隊的訓練。總教練 Sébastien Migné 及數名球員無法造訪海地，因為國際航班已停飛，且包括首都太子港在內的許多地區被幫派控制。因此，國家體育場自 2024 年 2 月起一直關閉，這意味著預選賽必須在庫拉索舉行。此外，美國簽證限制可能會導致許多本地球迷無法參加該賽事。

Some players have also faced personal dangers due to global conflicts. For example, the team's top scorer, Duckens Nazon, had to evacuate Iran through Azerbaijan after airstrikes occurred. Nazon emphasized that using an eSIM was essential to contact the French embassy after the local internet was shut down. This situation highlights the risks that professional athletes face in their working environments.

部分球員也因全球衝突面臨個人危險。例如，球隊射手 Duckens Nazon 在發生空襲後，必須經由亞塞拜然撤離伊朗。Nazon 強調，在當地網路被切斷後，使用 eSIM 對於聯繫法國大使館至關重要。這種情況突顯了專業運動員在工作環境中所面臨的風險。

Conclusion

Haiti will play against Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco in the tournament, using the event to bring the nation together despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

海地將在賽事中對陣蘇格蘭、巴西與摩洛哥，利用這次機會在人道危機持續的情況下，將國家團結在一起。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Connection' Upgrade: Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, you likely use simple words like and, but, and so to connect your ideas. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Connectors. These are words that tell the reader exactly how two ideas relate (cause, contrast, or result).

🔍 Spotlight: The Logic of the Text

Look at how the article connects complex ideas. Instead of basic words, it uses these "B2 Bridges":

"In contrast" $\rightarrow$ Used to show a clear difference between two things (France's sports system vs. the USA's).
"Consequently" $\rightarrow$ A sophisticated way to say "because of this, the result is..." (Gangs control the city $\rightarrow$ Consequently, the stadium is closed).
"Furthermore" $\rightarrow$ Used to add more information that supports the same point (Flights are stopped + Furthermore, visas are restricted).

🛠️ Practical Application

Stop using But and So for everything. Try this switch:

A2 (Basic)	B2 (Professional/Fluent)	Use it when...
But	In contrast / However	You are comparing two different facts.
So	Consequently / Therefore	One event causes another event to happen.
And	Furthermore / In addition	You want to pile on more evidence or points.

Pro Tip: Notice that these B2 words are often followed by a comma when they start a sentence. Example: "Consequently, the matches were played in Curaçao."

Vocabulary Learning

reliance (n.)

The state of depending on someone or something for support or help.

Example:The company's heavy reliance on a single supplier proved to be a risk when the factory closed.

diaspora (n.)

A group of people who have spread from their original homeland to other parts of the world.

Example:The city has a vibrant Irish diaspora that celebrates St. Patrick's Day every year.

instability (n.)

A state of being unstable; a lack of predictability or steadiness, often in a political context.

Example:Economic instability can lead to high inflation and unemployment.

consequently (adv.)

As a result of something that has happened.

Example:The heavy rain lasted for days; consequently, the river overflowed its banks.

evacuate (v.)

To move people from a dangerous place to a safe place.

Example:The government ordered residents to evacuate the coastal areas before the hurricane hit.

emphasized (v.)

To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.

Example:The teacher emphasized that the final exam would cover all the chapters of the book.

humanitarian (adj.)

Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare, especially in the face of crisis.

Example:The UN sent humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, to the earthquake victims.

Practice B2 words in a crossword→