PHILADELPHIA, United States, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Haiti coach Sebastien Migne believes the country's return to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 52-year absence has laid an important foundation for the future of Haitian football despite its early exit.
Haiti became the first team to be eliminated after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil on Friday, but Migne chose to focus on the significance of its appearance at the tournament.
"Haiti had not been to a World Cup finals for 52 years," Migne said after the match. "We must not underestimate what it means to return to the biggest stage in world football."
The French coach said reaching the World Cup had been one of the primary objectives set by the Haitian Football Federation and represented an important achievement for a nation with limited opportunities to compete against elite opponents.
"We completed an important mission by bringing Haiti back to the World Cup," he said. "Of course, we are competitors and we wanted to go further, but returning to this tournament is already a significant step."
Migne acknowledged the gap between Haiti and traditional football powers such as Brazil, but praised his players for their attitude and commitment throughout the tournament.
"The players showed that they deserved the place at this World Cup," he said. "We suffered at times, but we did not collapse. Facing a team like Brazil, every mistake is punished, and unfortunately that is what happened."
The coach also emphasized the educational value of the tournament for a squad largely made up of players experiencing the World Cup for the first time.
"At least half of this team is playing in a competition of this magnitude for the first time," he said. "I hope this experience helps them grow as players and helps us grow as a team."
Despite Haiti's elimination, Migne insisted his side still has meaningful goals to pursue in its final group match against Morocco.
According to the coach, Haiti has never earned a point in a World Cup finals tournament, either at the senior or youth level.
"These players still have the opportunity to write the history of Haitian football," he said. "They can write their own history as well."
Haitian forward Derrick Etienne also shares the same belief. Looking ahead to the final group match, Etienne said the team remains motivated by the chance to make history.
"There's history to be the team that gets the first points for Haiti, and that's what we're pushing for," said the 29-year-old.
Haiti will conclude its group-stage campaign against Morocco on June 24, seeking what would be the nation's first point in a World Cup finals tournament and another milestone in its long-awaited return to the global stage. ■
