World Cup dream in Little Haiti: 'All we ask for is a goal'

In Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, the World Cup has been a cause for celebration, but Haiti's national team, Les Grenadiers, is already out of the tournament after two straight losses. "All we ask for before the last match against Morocco is a goal," said coach Wanson Chery, reflecting the team's disappointment.

“

All we ask for before the last match against Morocco is a goal.

Chery, who also coaches youth teams at Little Haiti FC, expressed frustration with FIFA's group draw, feeling Haiti was placed in an unfairly difficult group alongside Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco. He also pointed to a controversial missed penalty call against Scotland as a key moment that went against his team. "It's a clear penalty, but the referee did nothing. Not even the VAR referee," Chery stated, echoing sentiments among many Haitian supporters who felt their team was wronged.

“

Here we are shaping the new generation.

Despite the on-field results, Chery sees the team's qualification for the World Cup as a victory in itself, given the challenges in Haiti. He noted that only one player on the squad resides in Haiti, with the rest born or raised in the U.S., Canada, and France. He fondly recalled Haiti's last World Cup appearance in 1974, highlighting the goal scored by Emmanuel "Manno" Sanon against Italy, a moment so significant that their training facility is now named in his honor.

“

Why couldn't we have a slightly easier group?

Meanwhile, the Little Haiti neighborhood itself is undergoing a transformation. Joann Milord, chair of the Little Haiti Revitalization Trust, noted the area's improving status, partly due to an influx of wealthier residents seeking refuge from rising sea levels along the coast. The neighborhood is experiencing gentrification, attracting new businesses and residents.

“

It's a clear penalty, but the referee did nothing. Not even the VAR referee.