Why Odsonne Edouard will miss FIFA World Cup 2026?

The 28-year-old Odsonne Edouard helped RC Lens to lift their first trophy since 1999.

Every player dreams of representing their country on the grandest stage of them all. Only the most deserving and capable stars get to compete for their nations in what is known as the FIFA World Cup.

The Haiti national football team qualified for FIFA’s flagship tournament for the first time since 1974. They are drawn in Group C along with the likes of Brazil, Morocco and Scotland. It is going to be a tough competition for them from the beginning.

Although Les Grenadiers have experienced stars in their final 26-man squad, it will just be their second-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup. They performed well during the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers. Sébastien Migné’s team topped their group after winning three of their six fixtures.

Before stepping foot on the biggest stage of football, Haiti are all set to lock horns with New Zealand and Peru for their international friendly fixtures. It is going to be a perfect opportunity for them to gain some momentum ahead of their tough group stage games.

Names like Duckens Nazon, Frantzdy Pierrot, Wilson Isidor and others are going to represent the Haiti national football team at the FIFA World Cup 2026. But a prominent name, Odsonne Édouard, has refused to be part of Les Grenadiers.

Why will Odsonne Edouard not appear for Haiti at the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Odsonne Edouard has been in a decent run of form this season. He could’ve played an important role in the attacking front for the Haiti national football team on the World Stage. He has 17 goal contributions for his club RC Lens this season.

The Ligue 1 side recently clinched the Coupe de France title, which is also their first trophy since 1999. Edouard played an important role in that too.

Although the 28-year-old is eligible to represent Les Grenadiers, he has turned down the call-up. He mentioned that he hasn’t competed for the nation before.

While talking about refusing the call up, Odsonne Edourard said, “I wouldn’t feel legitimate playing in the World Cup because there were (Haiti) players who fought to qualify and I wasn’t going to show up at the last minute to take advantage.”

“Quite simply, if I’m going to play, I have to deserve it,” the RC Lens forward said further.

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