Exclusive: Jean-Kevin Duverne of Haiti on Reaching the World Cup, Taking on Brazil and More

Certain qualifying campaigns hold greater significance than silverware. Haiti's journey to the 2026 World Cup is a prime example. Fifty-two years following their sole previous appearance at the tournament back in 1974, the Rouge et Bleu secured their place in the United States, Canada and Mexico after a run that inspired a whole country.

Jean-Kevin Duverne, a central defender on loan at Gent from FC Nantes and an integral figure for the Grenadiers, represents this generation that has reshaped the landscape of Haitian football. Ahead of matches against Brazil, Morocco and Scotland, he sat down for an exclusive chat with Flashscore.

Haiti are competing in their first World Cup since 1974. When you learned that Haiti had qualified, what was your reaction?

"Yes, to be honest, first World Cup since 1974, it has been 52 years that the people, we Haitians, the players, our families, have been waiting for this.

"And honestly, the feeling is enormous - I cannot even describe it, because it has not truly sunk in yet. The tournament is approaching, but I think it will strike me at the first match."

You told Flashscore back in 2024 that it was "a dream to play in the World Cup, obviously like for any player, but also as a Haitian because the country has been waiting for this since 1974". Now that it is real, has the dream changed?

"Yes, it is true that in 2024 I said it was a dream to play in the World Cup. Now here we are in the tournament, it is honestly incredible. All the players, we are excited to know we are going to face Brazil, Morocco, Scotland - they are great teams, we are going to give it our all.

"Has the dream changed? No, because the dream is still present, and now it is more real than ever. We have qualified, we have done everything to reach this point. So now, we are going to fight and show the entire world that we are a good side, that we can reply, and that we are prepared to do whatever necessary to leave our mark on this tournament."

Brazil, Morocco, Scotland… what was your reaction when you saw the group?

"To be honest, I laughed. Qualifying was already the first milestone, and the draw occurred much later, but it was thrilling waiting to discover our group.

"Just qualifying for the tournament was already amazing. And then we have Brazil, Morocco, Scotland - what more could you ask for? Competing against such top sides, it is fantastic."

Which of the three opponents do you personally fear the most?

"Honestly, at this level, everyone is strong. They are all great sides, let us not deceive ourselves. We are simply going to play our football, that is all."

You will have to mark Vinicius Junior…

"Marking Vinicius, McTominay, Raphinha, Hakimi… they are all top players. The entire team will have to mark everyone. We are just going to play our football - any opponent who enters our area is fair game."

Is there another opposing player you are looking forward to facing?

"Any player, honestly. Just competing in this tournament is incredible. As long as we have a good tournament and progress far, any opponent is worthwhile to face. We are not going to pick and choose - whoever comes our way, we will deal with them."

What concrete goal have you and the team set for this World Cup?

"First, a collective goal, because we qualified together. I think we need to concentrate on that throughout the tournament - team unity is fundamental. If we are good collectively, individual qualities will naturally rise to the surface."

You were born in Paris, and you wore the France U20 shirt. How did you experience the decision to represent Haiti?

"It was an easy decision, honestly. Especially for my family, who were very pleased to see me represent the country - my mother, my brothers, my sisters, my wife, even my children.

"Seeing them delighted is a source of pride. And from the Haitian people, you feel a great deal of love, a great deal of energy when you are called up. All the strength they give you at every match… it was a very good decision for me, I have no regrets."

The Haitian team has grown stronger thanks to the arrival of dual nationals. Do you feel there has been a genuine transformation in the group in recent years?

"Yes, it is true we have grown stronger. There is a lot more quality in the team, but there was quality before as well - it just adds something extra. Now, it is about finding the right understanding and team unity - that is what will make us strong."

What does Haiti mean to you in everyday life, away from football?

"We are warriors, we do not give up. Every day is a battle. You know very well that life is difficult in the country, that many people do not have a good quality of life - and yet, you see so many with a smile, with spirit, happy despite everything. I find that really, really powerful.

"I think about them all the time, because the situation in the country is very complicated, and it affects us every day - me, my teammates, all Haitians.

"It is sad, and at the same time, you see people who never give up. Some are prepared to pay for a match ticket to see us play rather than eat. It is not an easy situation, but we cope with it. You cannot have everything in life, so you really should not complain - that is all I have to say."