James Marcelin Looks Back on His Historic Strike Against Brazil as Haiti Prepares to Re-Engage the Seleção

For retired midfielder James Marcelin, the memory of June 8, 2016, will forever stand as a crowning moment in his nation's sporting history. Deep into the second half of a Copa América Centenário match in Orlando, Florida, Marcelin pounced on a rebound to fire the ball past Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson. While the final whistle blew on a commanding 7-1 victory for the South American heavyweights, that lone consolation strike carried a monumental weight for the Caribbean nation: it was the first—and remains the only—goal Haiti has ever scored against Brazil.

As Haiti readies itself for a highly anticipated Group C clash against Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Marcelin sat down with FIFA to reflect on his historic goal, the local obsession with South American football, and his memories of the iconic 2004 "Match for Peace."

A Surreal Moment of History

Even a decade after his historic touch at Camping World Stadium, the magnitude of the moment is not lost on the former Portland Timbers and FC Dallas midfielder.

"It was absolutely incredible," Marcelin recalled. "To play in the Copa América for the first time, to become the first player to ever score for Haiti in that tournament, and to be the only Haitian to ever score against Brazil... it's a fantastic feeling. I could never have imagined it would happen."

While the midfielder found the back of the net on several other occasions throughout his 34-cap international career, he freely admits that none compare to that evening in Florida.

"I scored other goals for Haiti, but this one simply means so much more," Marcelin confessed. He pointed out that the goal resonated deeply back home due to a unique cultural quirk: the vast majority of football enthusiasts in Haiti fiercely support either Brazil or their arch-rivals, Argentina. "In Haiti, the fans are obsessed with Brazil and Argentina. So hitting the back of their net was a massive deal for our supporters. They absolutely loved it."

Witnessing the "Match for Peace"

The unique relationship between the two nations is brief but incredibly powerful. Before the 2016 encounter, the most famous meeting occurred during the legendary 2004 "Match for Peace" in Port-au-Prince. Just two years after winning the 2002 World Cup, a star-studded Brazilian squad featuring Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Roberto Carlos flew into the Haitian capital as part of a UN-backed disarmament campaign.

Marcelin was only an 18-year-old rising talent at the time, still a few years away from his senior international debut, but he remembers the pure frenzy that overtook the streets.

"I watched that match on television as a young kid, and it was deeply special," Marcelin shared. "The game was organized to promote harmony during a highly critical and unstable period in Haiti, so it meant the world to us. Seeing those superstars arrive on tanks surrounded by crowds, it was completely insane."

Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup Stage

Now observing from the sidelines after retiring from professional football in 2019, Marcelin is watching with pride as a new generation of Haitian talent competes on the world stage. Having returned to the World Cup finals after a grueling 42-year absence, Haiti faces an uphill battle in Group C, having dropped their opening fixture 1-0 to a highly competitive Scotland.

With Brazil desperately needing a win after a tough opening draw against Morocco, Friday's showdown promises to be an intense tactical battle. Despite the heavy odds stacked against his compatriots, the man who once breached the Seleção's defense remains optimistic.

"I just hope they go out there, represent our country with absolute pride, and perform to the best of their abilities," Marcelin concluded. "It is a brutally difficult group for Haiti, but that is the beauty of football, you simply never know what can happen on the pitch."