Sebastien Migne is yet to visit Haiti since taking over as head coach of the national team. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Haiti are set to play their second-ever FIFA World Cup game, and first since 1974. In the dugout, they are led by head coach Sebastian Migne. After a playing career spent predominantly in the lower leagues of England and France, the Frenchman took his first steps into the coaching sphere with FC Mougins in 1998 for two years, then returned to playing for two years. He went back into coaching five years after his second retirement.

The 53-year-old took the Haiti national team’s job after stints as head coach with DR Congo, Kenya, Equitorial Guinea, and South African club side Marumo Gallants. His previous job was as Cameroon’s assistant coach. This will be his second FIFA World Cup, having been part of Cameroon’s coaching staff for the previous tournament, but this edition is his first as a head coach.

Remarkably, Migne has never visited Haiti, despite coaching the side for two years. This is since Haiti have been playing away from the nation since July 2021 due to safety concerns in the country.

Sebastian Migne’s record as head coach:

• Matches: 65
• Wins: 23
• Draws: 16
• Losses: 26
• Win percentage: 35.3%

Sebastian Migne’s record as Haiti head coach:

• Matches: 24
• Wins: 13
• Draws: 5
• Losses: 6
• Win percentage: 54.1%
• Goals scored: 53
• Goals conceded: 27

What has Haiti coach Sebastian Migne said before the match?

Ahead of their opener against Scotland, Migne was hoping to help Haiti secure a first-ever FIFA World Cup victory. “I hope we can ‌be one of the surprises of the tournament,” Migne told in his press conference. “I consider that football is a game and in the end there is loser and a ‌winner. If we want to win games we ​have to score goals regardless of whom we are facing.”

The Grenadiers are playing at their first FIFA ⁠World Cup since 1974, where they lost all three matches in the group stage. “1974 was our first ever goal but it was 52 years ago,” Migne said. “Today it is a whole different story. Once again we have qualified 52 years on and now we need to score again to achieve qualification for the next round.”

“Seeing our ‌opponents (in the group) we have to take it up a notch. If ​we want to make history, earning a first ever victory and a chance to qualify, we ⁠have to score goals regardless of the opponent.”

(With inputs from Agencies)

Published on Jun 13, 2026