EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — On Friday, El Paso Locomotive FC midfielder Carl Sainté was selected as part of Haiti’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Sainté watched the squad announcement with his Locomotive teammates.
When his name was announced, his teammates went crazy and swarmed Sainté to celebrate the moment.
“It was a very special moment for me,” Sainté said. “Especially as someone who grew up in Haiti, it means a lot to me. It is like a dream come true.”
This is Haiti’s first time in a World Cup since the 1974 World Cup in West Germany.
“It is a big opportunity to prove to the world what we are capable of,” Sainté said. “It has been 53 years. My mom wasn’t even born when that happened. Everyone is super happy about it and we are ready to surprise the world.”
RELATED: El Paso Locomotive’s Carl Sainte called up to play for Haiti at 2026 World Cup
Sainté joined the Locomotive this past offseason and has made six appearances so far for the club.
Sainté grew up in Haiti before moving to the United States to chase his dream of playing professionally.
Locos’ Sainté selected to Haiti’s World Cup squad
Before El Paso, Sainté has had stints with New Mexico United, Phoenix Rising and FC Dallas.
The 23-year-old has made 25 appearances for his country and is now excited to represent his nation on the biggest of stages.
“You defend your country and everyone in Haiti that is struggling,” Sainté said. “You play for them. You play for the flag and all the kids whose dream it is to play for your country.”
Sainté and Haiti will open up their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Scotland.
Also in Group C, Haiti will face five-time champions Brazil and 2022 semifinalists Morocco.
RELATED: 3 Locomotive players called up for international duty
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.