Haiti
Haiti return to the global stage for the first time since 1974, ending a 52-year absence that became one of football's longest aches. The path through CONCACAF qualifying — fueled by a small diaspora-built squad — has been called the greatest achievement in Caribbean football history. Sébastien Migné directs a roster heavy with Ligue 2 and Belgian Pro League players; Frantzdy Pierrot (Bordeaux) provides the cutting edge, with Duckens Nazon adding international experience. Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Scotland is brutal on paper, and survival is unlikely — but for a nation rebuilding after years of political and economic turmoil, simply lining up at the opening whistle is a victory. Every minute of football matters here.