Ex-Arsenal youngster could go to World Cup with Haiti

Ex-Arsenal youngster could go to World Cup with Haiti

Former Arsenal academy youngster Yassin Fortune is in with a good shot at featuring at this summer’s World Cup, after switching international allegiance from France to Haiti.

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Ex-Arsenal academy forward Yassin Fortune never managed to make his first-team breakthrough in north London, progressing from the u18s to the u23s before leaving on a free transfer for FC Sion in 2018.

The player’s career has been mixed since then, and after a few loan spells away from Sion he joined Ligue 3 club Quevilly-Rouen in 2024, then Liga Portugal 2 club Vizela in 2025.

Yet the 27-year-old could now be set for the biggest summer of his career, as he’s in contention to join Haiti at the 2026 World Cup.

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Those who followed Fortune’s early career may remember that he was originally a France youth international, representing the team from the u16s up to the u20s.

But having never made a first-team appearance for France, the forward was still eligible to make a switch of allegiance, and he did so last year.

Fortune made his first start for Haiti last September in a World Cup qualifier, and he was called up again for the international friendlies in March.

Photo by James Chance/Getty Images

If selected by Haiti this summer, Fortune could have the chance to face Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco in the World Cup group stage in June.

There are no guarantees he’ll be called up for the World Cup, having missed out on Haiti’s squads for the competitive fixtures in October and November. But the March call-up is encouraging, and three goal contributions in his last six games at club level suggest he’s in decent form.

If he can keep that going over the next few weeks, he’ll have a chance at appearing on the biggest stage in football.