Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Haiti-New Zealand, likely lineups

For both national teams, this will be the first test ahead of the upcoming World Cup in North America. Haiti and New Zealand, two outsiders in the now upcoming tournament, will cross paths on the Italian night of Tuesday, June 2 and Wednesday, June 3, 2026, with kickoff set for 2 a.m. Italian time. The friendly schedule, however, is packed with other close engagements: on June 6, the Haitians will face Peru, while the New Zealanders will take on England.

Both teams have already landed in the United States, specifically at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which will serve as the backdrop for this challenge and subsequent official matches. In fact, the United States will host all three of the Haitians’ group stage matches and the long-awaited debut of New Zealand, which will make its debut in the competition against Iran.

The World Group Draw has outlined challenging paths for both teams. Haiti has been placed in Group C and will face the likes of Brazil and Morocco in addition to Scotland. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be part of Group G, where in addition to the aforementioned Iran it will also find Belgium and Egypt on its way.

Migne relies on Placide between the posts, Adé and Delcroix as central defenders in the 4-man defense, in the midfield Bellegarde is paired with Pierre, on the flanks there is room for the speed of Deedson and Isidor to support the only forward Pierrot.

Englander Darren Bazeley chooses a similar tactical set-up with: Crocombe between the posts, former Empoli Cacace and Old as full-backs, Bell and Stamenic will act in front of the defense, on the three-quarter McCowatt to serve the team’s bomber Chris Wood.

Probable formations

Haiti (4-2-3-1): Placide; Duverne, Adé, Delcroix, Experience; Bellegarde, L. Pierre; Deedson, Nazon, Isidor; Pierrot. Ct: Migne.

New Zealand (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Cacace, Surman, Bindon, Old; Bell, Stamenic; Just, McCowatt, Randall; Wood. Ct: Bazeley.