The Haitian U20 team faces Cuba this Tuesday, July 28, 2026, on the second day of Group A. A win is a must for the young Grenadiers, who hope to make it to the quarterfinals.
The Haitian team kicked off their campaign at the 2026 Concacaf U20 Championship with a defeat. The United States easily won 3-0 at the Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla, on the occasion of the first matchday of Group A.
Dino Klapija got things rolling for the American team in the 38th minute with a brilliant right-footed shot inside Haiti’s penalty area. Thanks to two penalties, the North Americans were able to pile on the goals during this match.
Ruben Ramos (62′) doubled the score for the U.S. team. His goal came after Haitian defender Stanley Volcin received a red card. Volcin had stopped the ball from going into the net by using his hand. The Haitian team had to finish the match with one player less.Sébastien Morales (90′) scored the third goal for the U.S. team. A win that allowed the United States to join Cuba (3 points, +3) at the top of Group A. Haiti and El Salvador still haven’t earned a single point.
A few actions on the Haitian side
In the 12th minute, Franco Célestin sent a cross to Nikolaï Olivier Pierre. Nikolaï headed the ball, but unfortunately, his shot was off target. At the start of the second half, Franco Célestin played a pass to Clavens Exantus. His shot was caught by Rizvanovich (47′).
A cross from Alcimé Arthur in the 55th minute was deflected for a corner by Applewhite, the American captain. Miguel Joseph, a young Haitian midfielder, fired a heavy shot in the 57th minute. Unfortunately, his shot was caught by Rizvanovich.
John Charles, Will Amstrong Leconte, and Dieuvens Kenson Rezil came on for Ramy Fabilus, Nikolaï Olivier Pierre, and Clavens Exantus in the 67th minute. Shaun Brun was replaced by Mikenlove Jean in the 75th minute, before Kervens Romulus Junior came on for the injured Amstrong Leconte.
Despite five substitutions made by the Haitian side, the blue and red team couldn’t break through the Stars and Stripes’ defense. Berchimas and his teammates triumphed 3-0 against Haiti in the opening match.The next match for the Haitian U20 team is set against Cuba this Tuesday, July 28. Raúl Valentín Gonzalez Triana’s squad can’t afford any mistakes. As a reminder, the top two from each group (A, B, and C) will advance to the next round, along with two of the three third-place teams.
Even so, the young Grenadiers need to stay in the qualification race. A loss against Cuba should be off the table for Da-Benz Jacquet’s teammates.
