Haiti Aims to Stun Scotland with Former Celtic Star in World Cup Opener
As the World Cup approaches, Scotland finds itself in a favorable position, set to face the relatively unknown Haiti on 14 June. However, Haiti's squad is shaping up to be more formidable than expected, featuring several players with Premier League backgrounds, including Jean-Ricner Bellegarde from Wolves and Wilson Isidor from Sunderland. A key figure in this potential upset could be former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, who netted 57 goals in 94 matches for the Scottish club from 2018 to 2021. Currently with Lens in Ligue 1, the 28-year-old has yet to appear for the French senior team, despite representing them at youth levels. His Haitian heritage makes him a target for recruitment, although there are challenges in convincing players to represent nations they may not have ties to. Fifa agent Jerome Salbert, who collaborates with the Haiti FA, acknowledged the difficulties: "Edouard is a possibility, but the player is also French." "His father is Haitian, but he was raised in France." Haiti's journey to the World Cup has been fraught with challenges, including the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, which left much of the country in turmoil. The ongoing violence in Port-au-Prince has made it unsafe for foreign nationals, including their manager Sebastian Migne, who has never visited the country. Despite these obstacles, the allure of the World Cup has drawn attention to Haiti's plight. Salbert emphasized the emotional connection players can have to their roots: "Football gives them hope amid the trauma their country faces." "We must convince them to play with heart." Salbert's personal connection to the Caribbean, along with his understanding of Haitian culture, fuels his commitment to helping the national team succeed on the global stage.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-13