PUEBLA, Mexico — Haiti kept its 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship hopes firmly on track Tuesday night, holding off a furious late Cuba comeback to win 3-2 in a Group A thriller at Estadio Universitario BUAP. Les Grenadiers looked in total control for most of the match before a chaotic final ten minutes turned a comfortable lead into a nail-biter.

How It Unfolded

Haiti struck first in the 16th minute, and it came from persistence rather than a clean finish. Franco Celestin’s initial effort was parried away, but Miguel Joseph was there to pounce on the rebound, tucking it home from inside the box to put Haiti in front.

The lead grew midway through the first half when Celestin turned provider into scorer, converting from the penalty spot in the 34th minute to make it 2-0 and send Haiti into the break in firm control.

For long stretches after that, the match looked settled. But Cuba refused to fold. In the 80th minute, Yankarlos Iglesias pulled one back with a well-struck free kick, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and injecting late urgency into a match that had appeared decided.

Haiti had an answer, though. Deep into second-half stoppage time, in the 90+1′, Jacquet Da-Benz restored the two-goal cushion with a close-range finish, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt.

Cuba had other ideas. Just three minutes later, in the 90+4′, Robert Zerquera turned in a delivery from the left off an Iglesias assist to make it 3-2, setting up a frantic final push. Haiti’s defense held firm through the remaining seconds to close out the win.

Why It Matters

The victory is a big one for Haiti’s tournament prospects. After opening with a 3-0 loss to the United States, this result gets Les Grenadiers back on track in a group where every point matters for World Cup and Olympic qualification hopes. It also continues a strong individual tournament for Franco Celestin, who has now been involved in goals in back-to-back matches.

For Cuba, the late fightback offers a silver lining despite the loss — a reminder that this team can create danger even when chasing a game, but it wasn’t enough to overturn Haiti’s fast start.

What’s Next

Both teams are back in action Friday with the group finale on the line. Haiti closes out the group stage against El Salvador, while Cuba faces the United States — a match Haiti will be watching closely, since results elsewhere could directly shape where Les Grenadiers land in the final Group A standings.