Bellegarde Scored First International Goal for Haiti
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde netted an early goal to help secure a 2-0 victory for Haiti against Costa Rica.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Soccer
Haiti defeated Costa Rica 2-0 in a Concacaf Nations League match, bolstered by a ninth-minute goal from 28-year-old Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. This victory marks a successful start as Haiti has now won both of its opening fixtures in the tournament.
Why it matters
The result keeps Haiti on a positive trajectory in international competition following their performance during the 2026 World Cup. This win solidifies their standing in the current Concacaf Nations League campaign.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde scored his first international goal in the 9th minute of play. Haiti ultimately defeated Costa Rica 2-0 to maintain a perfect record through their first two matches of the competition.
The players
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
The 28-year-old midfielder represents the Haiti national football team and previously appeared for them in the 2026 World Cup.
The details
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde struck from the edge of the box to open the scoring for Haiti early in the match. The team's 2-0 win was eventually finalized following an own goal by Costa Rica.
Timeline
Bellegarde scored his first international goal in September 2026.
The 28-year-old represented Haiti at the World Cup in the summer of 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win keeps Haiti at the top of their group, significantly impacting their path toward qualification for higher-tier tournament stages. The victory maintains the competitive balance within their Nations League bracket as they look ahead to upcoming fixtures.
Haiti's win secures three points, placing them in an advantageous position within their group standings for the current tournament. This result forces Costa Rica to address defensive vulnerabilities before their next match to remain competitive for the knockout phase.
The takeaway
Bellegarde has established himself as a key contributor to Haiti's offensive efforts during this international cycle. Maintaining consistency in these early group matches is essential for the team to continue their momentum through the remainder of the tournament.
What happens next
Haiti is scheduled to play the Dominican Republic in their next Concacaf Nations League fixture.
Further reading
For more updates on international matches, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Shropshire Star.
