The qualification of the Haitian U-17 national team for the 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar is a major event in the history of Haitian football. This achievement is the fruit of the hard work of coach Eddy César, who joins the prestigious ranks of Jean-Yves Philogène Labaze and Wébens Princimé, known as Itala, who qualified Haiti for the competition in 2007 and 2019 respectively.
A historical nod
Jean-Yves Philogène Labaze (2007)
In 2007, under the leadership of Jean-Yves Philogène Labaze, Haiti made its first appearance at the U17 World Cup. This milestone opened the doors to a new generation of talented players.
Wébens Princimé (2019)
Twelve years later, Wébens Princimé repeated the feat by again qualifying Haiti for the U17 World Cup in South Korea. This success reinforced the hope of continuity in the development of Haitian football.
Eddy César (2025)
Now it’s Eddy César’s turn to make history. With a motivated and well-prepared squad, he led Haiti to their third qualifying appearance at the finals of the Concacaf qualifiers. This qualification is not only a tribute to his predecessors, but also a testament to his own dedication and expertise.
The road to success
Eddy César has not reached this level without the influence of his predecessors. He admits that Jean-Yves Philogène Labaze guided him in his coaching career. This generational link underscores the importance of mentorship in the ongoing development of Haitian football.
The finals will be held in Qatar from November 5-27, 2025.15 With this historic qualification, Eddy César has not only given a chance to young Haitian talent, but also renewed hope for the entire country.
Finally, this achievement is not only a sporting feat, but also symbolizes an important historical and cultural continuity for Haiti. The combined efforts of successive coaches have allowed this small Caribbean nation to showcase its potential on the international stage with pride and determination.
