The Haitian team offered a forceful demonstration of strength a few days after its return to a World Cup by defeating New Zealand 4-0 in a friendly match played in southern Florida. The match served as preparation for both teams for the 2026 World Cup, although it ended up evidencing important differences between the two teams, especially in the offensive capacity of the Caribbean team and the defensive difficulties of the Oceanic team.

The loss also ended a week of enormous media exposure for Tim Payne. The New Zealand full-back recently became a viral phenomenon on social networks after an Argentine influencer promoted a campaign to give visibility to little-known footballers.

In a matter of days, Payne went from having less than 5,000 followers on Instagram to accumulating around 4.5 million, becoming one of the most talked about names among fans following the countdown to the World Cup.

The defender's digital popularity, however, took a backseat once the match began. Haiti found space in their sector and managed to open the scoring just 12 minutes into the game, in an action that took place on the wing defended by Payne.

The atmosphere also played in favor of the Caribbean team. The stands were dominated by Haitian fans dressed in red and blue, who accompanied their team with constant support throughout the day. Each offensive advance by the team generated an immediate reaction in the stands, where the fans got up from their seats and cheered intensely.

Haiti confirms its growth towards the World Cup

The energy of the crowd did not diminish even when New Zealand reacted after the first goal. The Oceanic team managed to create some opportunities to equalize the score, but was met with a solid response from the Haitian goalkeeper and the defensive line.

The story finished tilting after the break. Haiti returned to the field with the same offensive aggressiveness and quickly found the second goal thanks to Lenny Joseph, who had entered during halftime.

Later, Frantzdy Pierrot extended the lead with a header that made it 3-0 and reflected the effectiveness of a team that took advantage of every opportunity to punish its rival.

Far from being satisfied with the result, the Caribbean team continued looking for spaces to increase the difference. The permanent support of the fans and the confidence acquired during the match encouraged the Haitians to maintain the intensity until the final minutes.

The reward came in an offensive transition that ended with Duke Lacroix sending the ball into the back of the net to establish the final 4-0, a result that sparked a new celebration in the stands.

For Haiti, the victory represents an injection of confidence before playing in its first World Cup since Germany 1974. The team will return to the biggest international event on June 13 and left a positive image in this previous test.

New Zealand, for its part, will have to correct several defensive aspects before the start of the tournament. The friendly also served as a reminder that popularity off the field does not guarantee results on it, on a night in which Tim Payne and his teammates were vastly outplayed by an inspired rival.