Toronto FC winger and Haitian international Derrick Etienne Jr. is focused on improving his club play to help Haiti qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Etienne Jr.'s performance is critical as he balances his role with Toronto FC and his aspirations for the national team. His ability to find consistent form in Major League Soccer will likely influence Haiti's tactical approach as they compete for a spot in the global tournament.
The winger recently scored his second goal of the MLS season [1]. The strike occurred during a match against Charlotte, although Toronto FC lost that game 3-1 [1]. Despite the team's result, the goal served as a highlight of his recent play and a boost to his individual confidence.
Etienne Jr. has also faced challenges with a slow start at Toronto FC and said he wants to reach a higher level of play [2]. This push for improvement comes as he competes for a place on the national roster. He is one of three MLS players currently associated with the Haiti roster for the upcoming tournament [3].
The stakes for the national team are higher than in previous cycles due to changes in the tournament format. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations [3], an expansion that provides more opportunities for teams like Haiti to qualify.
Etienne Jr. said he wants to take his performance to another level following matches against teams such as FC Cincinnati [2]. By refining his play in Canada, he aims to be a primary contributor for his country on the world stage.
“The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations”
The expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams creates a more accessible path for nations that previously struggled to qualify. For players like Etienne Jr., the synergy between their club performance in a high-profile league like MLS and their national team duties becomes a critical pipeline for international visibility and sporting success.
