In Haiti, soccer joy 鈥� and longed-for unity
An improbable journey to the 2026 World Cup has lit the spark of possibility for gang-beleaguered Haitians, as have plans for an election and a renewed international peacemaking effort.
An improbable journey to the 2026 World Cup has lit the spark of possibility for gang-beleaguered Haitians, as have plans for an election and a renewed international peacemaking effort.
It鈥檚 been nearly 10 years since the people of Haiti have voted in an election 鈥� and more than 50 since this soccer-loving nation has fielded a team in the World Cup tournament.
In 2026, they鈥檒l get to do both.
On Dec.5, a few weeks after Haiti鈥檚 November qualifying victory, World Cup organizer FIFA announced group draws for the competition. Around the same time, with somewhat less fanfare, Haiti鈥檚 transitional government announced election plans. Meanwhile, the United States called on countries to support a new United Nations-approved multinational mission to quell rampant gang violence in the Caribbean island nation.
Neither the World Cup berth nor the proposed international Gang Suppression Force promise easy wins for Haitians. But they hint at a possibility of parlaying the unity and persistent effort demonstrated on the soccer pitch to the arena of politics and governance.
鈥淭his victory brings a moment of joy,鈥� Pierre Jean-Jacques, a young mechanic, told The Associated Press. 鈥淚t means more than just a win. It is hope, it is unity at a time when the country faces so many challenges.鈥�
Several soccer players have pushed the 鈥淥pen the Country鈥� (#Ouv猫PeyiA) social media campaign, calling on gang leaders to end the brutality that has killed thousands and displaced more than 1.4 million Haitians. Gangs frequently shut down the country鈥檚 main seaport and airport; carry out extortion, rape, and murder; and are linked to international drug trafficking.
The 5,500-person international suppression force, if fully constituted and funded, could help restore basic calm and security, which another recent U.N. effort was unable to do. And more economic and humanitarian aid are also essential in the Western Hemisphere鈥檚 poorest country.
But durable freedom from repeated political dysfunction and violence is built on more than strong security or repaired roads. It requires a thought-shift and strengthening of human connections, an 鈥渋nfrastructure鈥� of collective worth and individual dignity not susceptible to physical destruction or social division.
鈥淭ake the [soccer] team鈥檚 unity as an example,鈥� star striker Duckens Nazon urged fellow Haitians. 鈥溾��L鈥楿nion fait la force鈥� isn鈥檛 just a slogan but a mentality, a way to live,鈥� he said, referring to the national motto, 鈥淯nity creates strength.鈥�
Or, as community activist Louis-Henri Mars told Monitor correspondent Linnea Fehrm in October, 鈥淲e must build relationships.鈥� That鈥檚 why he founded Lakou Lap猫 (鈥淐ourtyard of Peace鈥�) 鈥� to bring together business leaders and gang members to share meals and life stories. In his work, Mr. Mars says he holds to simple principles: See individuals for their humanity, not only their violent actions, and be open and truthful.
These are tenets that Haiti鈥檚 leaders 鈥� and its international security partners 鈥� can well apply. Haitians deserve no less.