South Florida Haitians celebrate country’s first World Cup bid in decades: ‘Like a dream come true’

Haiti qualifies for first World Cup in over 50 years

NORTH MIAMI, Fla. — It has been over five decades since Haiti was last in a World Cup.

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Let that sink in.

Many in the soccer world completely discarded this team and did not believe they could pull it off.

Haiti finished victorious in their qualification group over Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

“Oh my God, I don’t have (any) words,” said Haitian soccer fan Rose. “Last night I could not even sleep. It’s like a dream come true for us.”

We all know about the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.

Local 10 News has reported about what the Haitian community in South Florida is going through with the termination date of their Temporary Protected Status fast approaching.

To say the victory by the Haitians comes at a crucial time would be an understatement.

“We’ve been through a lot, but again Haiti has qualified now, which is incredible,” said Haitian soccer fan Pierre Jacob. “This is to show that even though we’re going through trials and tribulations, knowing that if we persisted, things will be OK. Haitians are really resilient.”

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About The Author
Christian De La Rosa

Christian De La Rosa

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.