Duke Lacroix believes the 2026 World Cup was written in the stars for him. The Haiti left-back grew up in central New Jersey and attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, the same city where Haiti will face five-time world champions Brazil on June 19 in Group C.
The son of Haitian parents, Lacroix plays for Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the USL Championship. He contributed a goal and two assists in eight matches during Haiti's World Cup qualification campaign. Les Grenadiers will compete in their first global finals since 1974, opening against Scotland before their Brazil showdown and concluding the group against Morocco.
Lacroix told FIFA that fans can expect a Haiti side brimming with confidence come June. He discussed managing the balance between club commitment and avoiding injury before the World Cup, noting the challenge of wanting to give 100 percent to his club while being mindful of the risks at such a late stage. Lacroix believes that backing off would increase the chance of injury, so maintaining intensity is his preferred approach.
