World Cup offers Haitians in Miami hope amid crisis at home
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Haiti fans cheer during an international friendly game between Haiti and Peru earlier this month in Miami. Photo: Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Half a century after Haiti's first World Cup appearance, Les Grenadiers are back on futbol's biggest stage after overcoming challenges back home and abroad.
Why it matters: South Florida is home to the largest Haitian diaspora in America.
- For the over 163,000 Haitians living in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the tournament offers a moment of excitement amid the violence and displacement afflicting the Caribbean nation.
What they're saying: North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, who is Haitian American, tells Axios the city is buzzing with "pride, unity and inspiration."
- "At a time when Haiti is often defined by its challenges, the World Cup provides an opportunity to showcase the resilience, talent, and strength of the Haitian people on the global stage," Desulme wrote in a statement.
Friction point: The violence in Haiti, which prevented the team from playing any qualifying matches in the country, isn't the only challenge impacting Les Grenadiers and their fans.
- Supporters living in Haiti are prohibited from traveling to the U.S. under a travel ban imposed by President Trump.
- Meanwhile, FIFA this week forced Haiti to remake its jerseys after saying a design depicting the Haitian War of Independence was too political.
- Desulme called it a "mind-boggling" decision, considering the design displays the nation's history and culture.
The bottom line: Although Haiti is not scheduled to play any group stage matches in Miami, fans will surely turn out for the free watch parties planned around South Florida.
Here's a non-comprehensive list of watch parties for upcoming Haiti matches:
- Saturday against Scotland: Dave and Buster's.
- June 19 against Brazil: Mishcon Athletic Field, Little Haiti Cultural Complex and Dave and Buster's.
- June 24 against Morocco: Dave and Buster's.