BROCKTON, MA (November 18, 2025) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mayor-elect Moises Rodrigues today extended his sincere congratulations to the people of Haiti—and to the thousands of Haitian and Haitian-American residents of Brockton—following the national soccer team’s direct qualification for the 2026 Soccer World Cup after back-to-back victories in Curaçao over Costa Rica (1–0) and Nicaragua (2–0).
Fifty-two years after Munich, Haiti will return to the world stage and stand once again among global football’s elite. For the Haitian diaspora, including the many families who call Brockton home, this qualification is a remarkable source of pride and renewed hope.
The accomplishment comes on a meaningful date for Haiti, as the country marks the 222nd anniversary of the Battle of Vertières—the historic triumph that led to independence on January 1, 1804. Rodrigues highlighted the powerful symbolism of qualifying on a day so closely tied to courage, unity, and national identity.
“The spirit of Vertières lives on,” he said. “Just as your ancestors fought for freedom and dignity, today’s Grenadiers remind us that Haiti continues to rise, to compete, and to inspire.”
The mayor-elect also underscored the difficulty of Haiti’s qualifying path. The team played all of its matches abroad, without the advantage of a home crowd.
“To play every match away from home and still qualify shows the depth of their determination and character,” Rodrigues said.
He noted that the emotional impact of the qualification is being felt across Brockton, where sports continue to be a unifying force.
“Today, thousands of Brockton residents are celebrating not only a soccer victory, but a reminder of strength, hope, and global representation.”
As Brockton turns toward a new chapter in leadership, Rodrigues reaffirmed his commitment to honoring the city’s cultural diversity and recognizing the contributions of its Haitian community.
“I am proud to celebrate with our Haitian residents during this historic moment,” he said.
“Their heritage, their values, and their perseverance strengthen our city every day.”
