Haiti’s U20 women’s national team, known as the Grenadières, has been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a disappointing loss to Guyana. The decisive match ended with a narrow 0-1 defeat on February 25, marking the end of Haiti’s journey in the Concacaf U20 Women’s Qualifiers.
Background and Performance
- Initial Success: Haiti started strong in the qualifiers, defeating Antigua and Barbuda 3-1 in their first match. They followed this with a convincing 4-0 win over Belize, showcasing their potential in the tournament.
- Key Players and Absences: Despite the absence of star player Lourdjina Etienne, who missed the qualifiers due to travel issues, Haiti demonstrated resilience and teamwork. Players like Pierreline Nazon and Brianna Crevecoeur were instrumental in their victories.
- Final Match: However, their momentum was halted by a determined Guyana team, which secured a crucial 1-0 victory. This loss not only eliminated Haiti but also highlighted the competitive nature of the qualifiers.
Implications and Future Prospects
- Elimination: Haiti’s elimination means they will have to wait longer to see their U20 women’s team qualify for a World Cup finals. The team had shown promise but ultimately fell short against a strong Guyana side.
- Concacaf Qualifiers Overview: The 2025 Concacaf Women’s U20 Qualifiers involve 24 nations competing for six spots in the Concacaf U20 Women’s Championship. The top four teams from this championship will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
- Future Opportunities: Despite this setback, Haiti’s U20 women’s team has demonstrated potential and will look to regroup and improve for future competitions. The experience gained from these qualifiers will be invaluable for their development.
In summary, Haiti’s U20 women’s team faced a tough exit from the World Cup qualifiers, but their journey highlights the growth and resilience of women’s football in Haiti.