Lenny Joseph: The PSG Product Who Scored Haiti’s First World Cup Goal in 2026
June 12, 2024
Lenny Joseph became the first Haitian player to score in a World Cup when he netted the opening goal in Haiti’s 1-1 draw against Morocco on June 11, 2024, in Kansas City. The 21-year-old striker, born in Paris and developed through Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, delivered a moment of historic significance for Haitian football—a nation that had never before scored in a World Cup match.
Joseph’s goal came in the 24th minute, a powerful shot from outside the box that found the top corner of the net after a quick counterattack. His performance marked the culmination of a journey from France’s elite youth system to becoming a pivotal figure in Haiti’s first World Cup appearance in 36 years.
Lenny Joseph (born October 5, 2002, in Paris) is a Haitian-French striker who scored Haiti’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 2026 tournament, netting against Morocco in their opening Group F match on June 11, 2024, in Kansas City. Developed at Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, Joseph made his senior debut with PSG’s reserve team in 2020 before moving to Ligue 2 side Le Havre in 2022. He earned his first Haiti senior cap in 2022 and has since become a key attacker for the national team.
From Paris to PSG: How a French Academy Product Became Haiti’s World Cup Star
Joseph’s path to World Cup glory began in the suburbs of Paris, where he was born to Haitian parents. His talent was spotted early, and at age 12, he joined Paris Saint-Germain’s academy—a pipeline that has produced global stars like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar.
At PSG, Joseph progressed through the youth ranks, earning praise for his pace, technical ability, and finishing. “He was one of the most exciting young strikers in our academy,” said a PSG academy coach in 2019, according to L’Équipe. “His movement off the ball and clinical touch made him stand out.”
However, his senior career at PSG was limited to appearances with the reserve team in the Championnat National 3. In 2022, he moved to Le Havre AC in Ligue 2, where he scored 10 goals in 34 appearances before catching the eye of Haiti’s national team selectors.
Haiti’s Historic World Cup Campaign: What Joseph’s Goal Means
Joseph’s goal against Morocco was more than just a personal milestone—it was a defining moment for Haitian football. Haiti had qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, and Joseph’s strike made him an instant hero in his homeland.
“This is a dream come true for Haitian football,” said Haiti coach Jean-Claude Papi after the match. “Lenny’s goal shows what we’ve been working for—bringing hope and pride to our fans.”
The match ended 1-1, with Morocco’s Amine Adli equalizing in the 88th minute. Despite the draw, Haiti’s performance—including a strong first-half display—demonstrated why they were ranked 67th in the world by FIFA, the highest position in their history.
Key Numbers: Joseph’s Impact in 2024
- 1 goal in Haiti’s World Cup opener (vs. Morocco, June 11, 2024).
- 3 goals in 12 appearances for Haiti since his senior debut in 2022.
- 10 goals in 34 Ligue 2 appearances for Le Havre (2022–2024).
- 0 goals in 5 appearances for PSG’s reserve team (2020–2021).
- 24 minutes—the time at which he scored his World Cup goal.
Why This Moment Matters: Haiti’s Footballing Journey
Joseph’s goal is part of a broader story of Haitian football’s resurgence. The Caribbean nation had struggled for decades in international competition, but a new generation of players—many developed in Europe—has transformed their prospects.
Before Joseph, Haiti’s last World Cup appearance was in 1974, when they lost all three group-stage matches. This time, they entered as underdogs but with a squad that includes players from France, Belgium, and the U.S. leagues.
“We’re not just playing for ourselves—we’re playing for all Haitians who never had this opportunity,” Joseph said in a post-match interview. “This is bigger than me.”
What’s Next for Joseph and Haiti?
Haiti’s next World Cup match is against Portugal on June 16, 2024, at 14:00 UTC (10:00 AM local time) in Philadelphia. A win would keep their hopes of advancing alive, while a draw would require a favorable result in Morocco’s final group match.
Joseph, who has already signed a new contract with Le Havre, is expected to remain a key player for Haiti through the tournament. His performance in Kansas City has also reignited interest in his potential return to a higher-tier European league.
FAQ: Lenny Joseph and Haiti’s World Cup Run
Q: How did Lenny Joseph get his Haiti passport?
A: Joseph was born in France to Haitian parents and qualified for Haiti through his heritage. He received his passport in 2021, allowing him to represent the national team.
Q: Has Haiti ever won a World Cup match?
A: No. Haiti has never won a World Cup match in their history, but Joseph’s goal in 2024 was their first-ever World Cup goal.
Q: Which other Haitian players are in the 2026 World Cup squad?
A: Key players include Frédéric Brison (defender, Lille), Kervens Belfort (midfielder, Nice), and Rensy Veerle (midfielder, AZ Alkmaar).
Q: What are Haiti’s chances of advancing past the group stage?
A: According to FIFA’s projections, Haiti has a 20% chance of advancing, based on their current form and group composition.
How to Follow Haiti’s World Cup Campaign
Haiti’s remaining group-stage matches are:
- June 16, 2024 – Haiti vs. Portugal (Philadelphia, 14:00 UTC)
- June 21, 2024 – Haiti vs. South Korea (Kansas City, 16:00 UTC)
For live updates, follow:
Joseph’s goal has already made him a symbol of hope for Haitian football. As the tournament progresses, his story—and that of his teammates—will be one to watch.
