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The city of Gonaïves is among the most mobilized towns to support the Haitian national team at the 2026 World Cup.
Long before Haiti faced Scotland, a big parade was organized in the town at the initiative of several young supporters of the national team. Held the day before the first match, Friday, June 12, this event brought together thousands of citizens wearing the national team’s jerseys, holding flags, handkerchiefs, and scarves in blue and red colors.
According to the mayor of Gonaïves, Gina Jeanty, this parade is a tradition in the city during major sports competitions like the World Cup or Copa América. In the past, organizers used to celebrate teams like Brazil or Argentina, but this year, all the attention was on the national team for its first participation in a World Cup after 52 years away.The initiative has grown so much that residents from other towns, especially from Gros-Morne, made the trip to take part, said the mayor. “It’s something unexplainable. It made us proud and proves that Gonaïvian pride exists in football too,” she said on Magik 9 this Wednesday, June 17, praising the initiative aimed at supporting the Grenadiers at the 2026 World Cup.Mrs. Jeanty highlighted that the town hall provided significant logistical support for the success of the event. More than 40 marshals as well as law enforcement officers were mobilized. Parade floats also took part in the procession. In addition to this popular event, televisions were installed in various parts of the city as part of the promises made by the Fils-Aimé government to allow the public to follow the World Cup matches. More than 2,500 people gathered at the main square to watch Haiti’s match, the mayor specified. Still within the framework of Haiti’s participation in the World Cup, the Gonaïves town hall launched the ‘Lameri nan Mondyal’ program to support fans during the competition. Permissions were granted to businesses wishing to organize activities around the matches, while marshals were deployed.to ensure these gatherings run smoothly.
According to Mrs. Jeanty, this period also brings economic benefits to the town. Many small businesses have sprung up around the sale of Grenadiers jerseys, as well as those of other teams like Argentina and Brazil, along with flags, banners, and other accessories. Attendance at bars showing the matches has also increased.
On the security side, the mayor says the situation remains under control thanks to the efforts of the police, who stepped up their vigilance during the World Cup. She hopes that the same popular excitement will continue for Haiti’s next match against Brazil, scheduled for Friday, June 19.
