How much does a Haiti player earn at World Cup 2026? This is what one of the poorest national teams pays its stars

Haiti is widely considered the poorest country in the Caribbean, with around 60% of its population living below the poverty line. Yet despite those challenges – and despite having to play its World Cup qualifying campaign away from home – the national team has made history by securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Caribbean nation has been drawn into Group C alongside tournament heavyweight Brazil, fellow contender Morocco, and Scotland. While Haiti enters as the underdog, the team carries the hopes of a nation eager for a reason to celebrate on the global stage.

In recognition of the achievement, the Haitian government awarded $4 million to the Haitian Football Federation (FHF). Half of that amount – $2 million – was earmarked as a reward for qualifying for the World Cup, while the remaining $2 million will help fund preparations for the 2026 tournament.

Dividing the bonus pool among the 23 players originally cited by Haitian officials would amount to roughly $86,956 per player. The financial reward reflects the significance of a qualification that many in the country view as one of the greatest moments in Haitian soccer history.

“The country is not simply handing a check to its team,” FHF president Monique André said. “It is a message of confidence, of solidarity, a message of hope and, above all, a symbol of a nation that knows its children and still believes in itself.”

Haiti hopes to surprise the world

Now Haiti wants to prove its World Cup qualification was no fluke. The team faces a difficult group, but recent performances have boosted confidence, particularly after an emphatic victory over fellow World Cup qualifier New Zealand.

Of the 26 players selected for the squad, 16 were born outside Haiti but are eligible to represent the country through their family roots. That blend of international experience and national pride has become one of the defining characteristics of this Haitian team.

The squad was scheduled to face Peru in a final friendly before opening its World Cup campaign against Scotland.

“It is our responsibility as leaders to keep hope alive and set an example for the future of the country,” Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé said. “That is why we support what remains one of Haiti’s greatest sources of pride: Haitian soccer.”

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.