Melrose soccer star Pierrot will play for Haiti in the World Cup

Frantzdy Pierrot was surrounded by dozens of fans, family members and friends Tuesday at the State House. They came to celebrate a man born in Haiti and raised in Massachusetts — and now destined to play his first World Cup game in the state where he grew up.

The 6-foot-4 forward told reporters about the moment he learned the match would be held in Massachusetts.

"I couldn't believe it," Pierrot said. "I called my dad. I was like, 'Well, I'm coming home.' Imagine playing in the World Cup and it's in Boston. All my friends are here."

Gov. Maura Healey declared it Frantzdy Pierrot Day in Massachusetts, just weeks ahead of Haiti's first men's World Cup match in 52 years. They'll face Scotland at Gillette Stadium on June 13.

Pierrot said he's doing everything he can to procure tickets so local supporters can attend. "But I know even the people that cannot get tickets, they're going to be watching and they're all going to be proud," he said.

Perhaps no one is prouder than Corlton Simmond, who coached Pierrot in high school. Simmond said he watched Pierrot rise from an average teenage player to a world-class athlete.

"He was probably in the middle, lower section of the team," Simmond said of Pierrot's early years. "But in terms of commitment, passion, drive, desire, love, humility — he outclassed everyone else."

Five of Pierrot’s Melrose High School teammates attended the celebration Tuesday, including Anthony McElligott, who now teaches math and coaches soccer at the school.

"By his sophomore year, [we] knew he was something special," McElligott said. "We followed him his whole career, and it's really exciting to see where he's come."

After high school, Pierrot went on to play soccer for Northeastern University, and later went pro. He's competed on teams in Belgium, Israel and Greece. Now, the 31-year-old plays in Turkey, in addition to his role with Haiti’s national team.

The governor touted Pierrot’s upbringing in the commonwealth.

"He really represents the very best of Massachusetts," Healey said, adding that no other soccer squad has overcome the obstacles Haiti has.

"Yet you survive," Healey said. "And you do more than survive — you thrive, and you win, and you inspire. And today you're qualified for the World Cup."

Years of strife in Haiti meant the men’s national team could not practice at home. The Haitian squad was based on the tiny island of Curaçao, off the coast of Venezuela, whose team also qualified for the 2026 Cup.

Pierrot said every qualifying match felt like an away game, because of the absence of Haitian fans: "But we knew that everyone was watching, they were supporting us, and we did everything that we could to make sure that they were part of us, and now we're here today."

He said he's starting a soccer academy for children in Haiti, hoping to bring resources to help develop future players.

"Why aren't there many Caribbean players showcasing their talent worldwide?" he said. "It's not because we don't have it. I believe a child's future should not depend on leaving their home. There must be opportunity where they are."

Haiti’s first 2026 World Cup match will be against Scotland on June 13, followed by games against Brazil in Philadelphia and against Morocco in Atlanta.

Pierrot's father, Destine Pierrot, is already predicting the outcome: Haiti will win the first game 3-0, and his son will score the first goal.