Lenny Joseph: Haiti Celebrates World Cup Goal After 52 Years

Lenny Joseph has written his name into Haiti’s football history by scoring the country’s first FIFA World Cup goal in 52 years.

Haiti celebrated a historic moment at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Lenny Joseph scored against Morocco in their Group C match at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old forward found the net in the second half, marking Haiti’s first World Cup goal since 1974. Joseph, who was born in France to a Haitian father and Congolese mother, received his first call-up to the Haiti national team in 2026.

Joseph currently plays for Hungarian top-flight club Ferencváros, where he has continued to develop his career before making an impact on the international stage.

The goal ended a long wait for Haiti World Cup history, as the Caribbean nation returned to football’s biggest tournament for the first time since their appearance in 1974. Although Haiti have already been eliminated from reaching the knockout rounds, Joseph’s strike provided a memorable moment for the team and its supporters.

Before Joseph’s achievement, Haiti had only one previous source of World Cup goals: Emmanuel Sanon. The legendary forward scored twice during Haiti’s 1974 campaign, including a famous goal against Italy.

Sanon’s goal against Italy was especially remarkable because the Azzurri had not conceded in 19 matches before he beat goalkeeper Dino Zoff. That moment became one of Haiti’s greatest football memories and remained the country’s only World Cup scoring record for decades.

Joseph’s goal now adds a new chapter to the nation’s football story. Despite their early exit, Haiti’s return to the tournament and their historic goal will be remembered as important milestones in their international journey.

Can Lenny Joseph’s breakthrough inspire a new generation of Haitian footballers?