Haiti’s Women’s National Team Set for Friendly Matches in France
The Haitian women’s national soccer team, known as the Grenadières, is scheduled to compete in two international friendly matches in France this October as part of their preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ranked 47th globally, Haiti will face Japan, currently ranked 5th, on October 9, and Australia, ranked 15th, on October 13.
These matches are crucial for the team, allowing them to evaluate their progress against top-tier international competition. Previous preparations included two victories: a 2-1 win over New Zealand on June 5, 2026, and a 3-1 triumph against Equatorial Guinea on June 8, 2026. Nérilia Mondésir and Lourdjina Étienne scored for Haiti against New Zealand, while Melchie Dumornay and Lourdjina Étienne were key contributors in the game against Equatorial Guinea.
The match against Japan will take place at Stade Bauer in Saint-Ouen at 8:00 PM local time, with tickets available through billetterie.redstar.fr. The game against Australia is set for October 13, starting at 9:00 PM at the Stade Walter-Luzi in Chambly, with tickets sold at billetterie.fcchambly.com.
These upcoming matches serve as significant tests for the Grenadières ahead of their continental quarter-final against Mexico, planned for November 28 in the United States. A successful outcome in this quarter-final would secure their place in the World Cup in Brazil.
Pia Sundhage, the head coach, has named the players for the upcoming friendlies, which include two newcomers: Danique Ypema from Hera United in the Netherlands and Audrey François from Vancouver Rise FC in Canada. Returning players include Maudeline Moryl and Chelsea Surpris. The full squad includes goalkeepers Nelly Maignan and Naila Louissaint, defenders such as Claire Constant and Jasmine Vilgrain, midfielders Melchie Daëlle Dumornay and Nérilia Mondésir, and forwards Lourdjina Étienne and Brittany Raphino.
The Haitian Embassy in France is calling on the Haitian community to come out and support the Grenadières during these matches, emphasizing the significance of these games and the opportunity to display national pride.
