Nu Stadium sells out for Haiti Vs Peru Pre-FIFA Game, giving fans a rare chance to see the Grenadiers in person

Nu Stadium in Miami-Dade County sold out Friday night for Haiti’s international friendly against Peru, with an estimated 26,000 fans attending. The match gave Haitian supporters, many of whom have never seen their national team play live, a rare opportunity to cheer on the Grenadiers in person, as ongoing instability in Haiti has forced most games to be played abroad. The event marked Haiti’s second appearance in South Florida within a week, with fans gathering in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood beforehand to buy jerseys, flags, and other gear. Supporters described the stadium as a second home, emphasizing the emotional significance of the game amid years of political and social turmoil. Haiti’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first in 50 years, has heightened excitement, though their official World Cup matches will be held in Boston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Friday’s friendly allowed South Florida fans to celebrate closer to home, with one supporter stating, ‘We cannot play at home, so we’re playing here, and we’re very happy about that.’ Peruvian fans also attended in large numbers, including the ‘La Franja’ cheering squad, adding to the festive atmosphere. Kickoff was scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with fans arriving hours early as anticipation grew for both teams and the broader FIFA buzz in the region. For many Haitian supporters, soccer is deeply tied to culture and identity, with one fan saying, ‘Futbol is in our soul.’ The match underscored the team’s growing significance as a source of pride and unity for the diaspora.