FC Dallas forward Louicius Don Deedson scored the game-winning goal for Haiti in the 2-0 victory over Nicaragua that officially qualified the Caribbean nation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, its first since 1974.
Haiti entered the final round of qualifying matches needing a victory and Honduras to lose or draw to qualify automatically as the first-place finisher in Group C of Concacaf World Cup qualifying. Deedson opened the scoring for Haiti in the ninth minute with a fantastic solo effort before Ruben Providence added the insurance goal late in the first half. On the other side of the group, Costa Rica held Honduras to a scoreless draw meaning Haiti will make its second-ever appearance at a World Cup having played its inaugural tournament in 1974.
Haiti's qualification is made all the more remarkable considering it hasn't been able to play any qualifying matches in its own territory. While the island nation deals with widespread gang violence, the Haitian national team has played its "home" matches in neighboring countries to ensure safety. Tuesday night's World Cup-clinching victory took place at Stadion Ergilio Hato in Willemstad, Curaçao, nearly 500 miles south of Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince.
Deedson, who joined Dallas midway through the 2025 season, featured 10 times during Haiti's World Cup qualification campaign and scored four goals, including Tuesday night's game-winner. He joins Petar Musa in FC Dallas' World Cup-bound contingent, with Musa having scored the winning goal in Croatia's qualification-clinching game last Friday, Nov. 14. Deedson and Musa could become the second and third active FC Dallas players to feature in a World Cup match, following in the footsteps of Jesús Ferreira who played for the U.S. in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The World Cup group stage draw, which determines group opponents, will be held next month at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Dec. 5, 2025.
Draw Watch Party @ Toyota Stadium
Mark your calendars for Friday, December 5 at 11:00 AM CT and join the excitement at Toyota Stadium and The Gallagher Club at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The final draw for soccer's biggest stage, which will determine the groups and schedule for the tournament. Be there for your chance to be our guest for each Group Stage match (5 matches in Dallas). Attendees can also enjoy 40% off all items at Soccer90, food & drink specials, raffles and prize giveaways throughout the event and more!
