Overview
- Odsonne Edouard formally turned down Haiti’s offer to join their 2026 World Cup squad, saying he would not take a place from players who helped the team qualify.
- Edouard emphasized that accepting a late call-up would feel illegitimate because he did not participate in Haiti’s qualifying campaign.
- The striker also cited FIFA nationality rules, noting that switching to Haiti now would cap-tie him and likely end any opportunity to play for France at senior level.
- Edouard’s strong 2025–26 club season for RC Lens — 14 goals in 36 appearances, a goal in the 3-1 Coupe de France final win and a second-place Ligue 1 finish — made him an attractive late option for Haiti.
- Haiti’s squad remains set for Group C in the 2026 World Cup with players such as Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor leading the attack, and they open against Scotland in Miami on June 14.