Brooklyn’s Haitian community celebrates historic World Cup moment
The celebration comes as Haiti continues to face a deep humanitarian crisis. For many, the World Cup has become a rare source of hope and unity.
More Stories
For the first time in 52 years, Brooklyn’s Haitian community is watching its national team take the World Cup stage. It’s a milestone many say is bringing a renewed sense of pride both in the diaspora and abroad.
“I’m very happy because the first World Cup, it was in 1974. Yeah, now 2026, we got the second one - I’m very happy!” said resident Hilaire.
Across Little Haiti and neighborhoods like Flatbush, the celebration is showing up everywhere - from packed restaurants to kitchens serving traditional Haitian dishes that many say help bring people together during the tournament.
“We're going to be doing a lot of the traditional Haitian dishes. We have Creole, we have Haitian fried chicken. Making it, qualifying for the World Cup is a huge deal. It's just something really good for us to celebrate right now,” said Cayel McGuire, manager at Lakou.
The celebration comes as Haiti continues to face a deep humanitarian crisis. According to the U.N.’s migration agency, escalating gang violence has forced a record 1.5 million people from their homes. For many, the World Cup has become a rare source of hope and unity.
“Given a state that Haiti is in right now…I think that it's really providing a lot of hope to Haitians in the diaspora, as well as in the country,” said resident Michael Cooper.
For others, the moment is about identity and pride as much as sport.
“I’m happy to be Haitian, ‘Mwen kontan!’” said resident Woodlys.
As Saturday night’s match approaches, the celebration continues across Brooklyn’s Haitian community - where many say no watch party is complete without a pate or two.
