Haiti to host USA in Miami as security crisis forces another home-match relocation

Haiti will stage its home-designated Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against the United States in Miami next month, turning to its large South Florida diaspora for support as the country’s continuing security crisis prevents the national team from playing international matches on home soil.

The opening leg of the two-match quarterfinal series is scheduled for November 14 at Nu Stadium, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. The return leg will take place in Cincinnati.

The match was originally scheduled for Jamaica, where Haiti has been forced to play its home fixtures because armed gangs have taken control of large areas of Port-au-Prince, leaving the national team without access to its stadium.

The relocation gives the Grenadiers another opportunity to play before a substantial Haitian audience in Miami, where the team previously attracted a sold-out crowd earlier this year.

Miami offers a home away from home

Haitian Football Federation President Monique André said Miami was a natural destination because of the size and passion of the Haitian community in South Florida.

“Miami was a natural choice for us,” André told the Miami Herald. “South Florida is home to one of the largest Haitian communities outside of Haiti, and we experienced that connection firsthand when the Grenadiers played at Nu Stadium earlier this year, just before our return to the World Cup.”

André said the federation approached Concacaf to secure the arrangement because the security situation in Haiti continues to prevent the team from hosting international matches in the country.

The decision comes during an exceptional year for Haitian soccer. Haiti returned to the FIFA World Cup for only the second time in its history, 52 years after its first appearance in 1974, renewing national pride in a country grappling with persistent instability.

“We are especially excited because of what this moment represents; 2026 has already been an extraordinary year for Haitian football,” she said. “We returned to the World Cup for only the second time in our history, 52 years after 1974, and throughout that journey we saw again how deeply the national team brings Haitians together, both at home and across the diaspora.

“Now, just a few months later, we have the opportunity to play an important competitive match in Miami, as the home-designated team, in front of a community that has supported the Grenadiers so passionately,” André added. “We hope Haitians throughout South Florida will come out in numbers, fill the stadium with our colors and our flags, and give our players the feeling and energy of playing at home.”

Concacaf approves exceptional arrangement

Concacaf confirmed Thursday that its council had approved the special hosting arrangement in response to the continuing security challenges facing Haiti.

The measure allows the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), under exceptional circumstances, to stage designated home matches in Concacaf-sanctioned competitions within the territory of an opposing association, rather than being restricted to venues in the Caribbean under the existing regulations.

“Under this exceptional arrangement, the FHF may be permitted to play its designated home matches in Concacaf-sanctioned competitions in the territory of its opponents, rather than being limited to the Caribbean region as required under the current regulations,” the organization said in a statement.

The flexibility will remain available for as long as the security situation in Haiti persists. However, the arrangement does not provide automatic approval for every fixture.

Concacaf said each match will require separate authorization from its administration, agreement from the opposing member association and confirmation that the proposed stadium meets the confederation’s venue requirements.

The policy will also apply to Haitian clubs competing in Concacaf-sanctioned competitions.

“This Haiti-specific measure, which will also be extended to Haitian clubs, will remain subject to ongoing review and may be amended or withdrawn by the Concacaf Council at any time,” the statement said.

Political tensions add to Haiti's challenges

The decision to move the match to Miami follows a period of tension surrounding Haiti's regional fixtures, including a controversial episode involving the neighboring Dominican Republic.

Haiti had edged the Dominican Republic in a match that generated controversy after Dominican officials barred the Haitian team from using their stadium following a disputed statement by star player Wilson Isidor.

The latest relocation also marks Haiti's second appearance at Nu Stadium, following the sold-out match earlier this year that preceded its return to the World Cup.

For the Grenadiers, Miami will provide more than a neutral venue. It will offer the chance to draw on a passionate diaspora as they take on the United States in a high-profile Nations League quarterfinal, with the return match set for Cincinnati.

For now, however, the arrangement underscores the continuing impact of Haiti's security crisis: even as its national team celebrates a historic year on the international stage, it remains unable to bring competitive international soccer back home.