Haiti National Soccer Team to Train in Port St. Lucie Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Haiti's national soccer team is set to train in Port St. Lucie as part of its preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the program's first appearance on the sport's biggest stage in half a century, public records indicate.

The training stop in St. Lucie County would mark a significant moment for the Treasure Coast, placing Port St. Lucie on an international sports map alongside Miami as a Florida base for a World Cup nation. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to kick off in June.

For the Haitian diaspora community along the Treasure Coast — one of the largest and most established in Florida — the development carries weight that goes far beyond logistics. Haiti last qualified for the World Cup in 1974, and this return represents a generational milestone for a nation whose soccer faithful have waited five decades for a moment like this.

Port St. Lucie has quietly built a reputation as a destination for elite athletic preparation, anchored by Clover Park — the spring training home of the New York Mets — and a network of multi-use sports facilities that attract professional and international programs.

Details on the specific training site and dates in Port St. Lucie had not been publicly confirmed at press time. TC Sentinel is working to reach St. Lucie County sports and tourism officials for comment.

What is confirmed: the World Cup comes to the United States this summer, and for at least a sliver of that global event, the Treasure Coast will have a front-row seat.

This article was generated with AI assistance using publicly available information. It was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication. TC Sentinel uses AI writing tools in accordance with FTC guidelines.