From War To The World Cup: Haiti's Return

52 years. That's how long Haiti waited to return to the World Cup. In November 2025, they qualified for the first time since 1974 — the longest absence of any team at this tournament.

This film has three days to tell that story. Three days in Flatbush and Crown Heights before Haiti faces Brazil. Three days of community events, Kreyòl radio calls, and flags going up on Nostrand Avenue. Three days with a squad that includes a Wolves player, a Sunderland player, and a midfielder who only got his visa approved days before the tournament began.

Everything Haiti has lived through since 1974 is already there — compressed into that window, waiting to break. The film doesn't need weeks. It just needs to be in the room.

Shot across New York and Port-au-Prince.

With a huge thanks to Stephanie Pierre, Tadia Toussaint, Wesly Jean Simon and all involved.

Presented by Vlad Calixte.

0:00 – Intro
1:00 – Haitian history
2:20 – The importance of the Haitian diaspora
3:35 – The connection between Haiti and Brazil
5:53 – The game and the wedding