Toronto FC winger Derrick Etienne Jr. has been named to Haiti’s roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1, 2, 3].
Etienne Jr.'s selection highlights the growing influence of Major League Soccer players on the international stage and provides a boost to Haiti's attacking options for the global tournament.
The veteran forward is one of three MLS players selected for the Haitian squad, alongside Danley Jean Jacques and Louicius Deedson [1, 4]. His inclusion is based on his consistent performance at the club level and his Haitian heritage [1, 4].
Etienne Jr. currently plays for Toronto FC in Canada, where he recently signed a contract that extends through the 2026 season [1, 5]. The agreement also includes club options for 2027, and the 2027-28 period [5].
The Haitian national team is currently conducting its preparations in Port St. Lucie, Florida [6]. This training camp serves as the final staging ground before the tournament begins this month, with matches scheduled for June and July 2026 [1, 5].
As a winger, Etienne Jr. brings experience from both the North American league and international play to a team looking to make an impact on the world stage. His presence in the squad ensures that Haiti has a proven goal-scoring threat, and a player accustomed to the high-pressure environment of professional league play in North America.
“Derrick Etienne Jr. is one of three MLS players selected for Haiti’s squad”
The selection of Etienne Jr. and two other MLS players demonstrates a strategic shift for Haiti, leaning on the professional development and tactical discipline found in the U.S.-based league to compete against global powerhouses. By utilizing players with dual heritage and professional experience in North America, Haiti aims to bridge the gap in competitive consistency heading into the 2026 tournament.
