Wilson Isidor set for talks over Haiti switch as World Cup dream grows

Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor is set for crunch discussions with Haiti head coach Sébastien Migné as the forward weighs up a potential international switch that could see him feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Isidor, 25, was born in Rennes and remains uncapped at senior international level for France. Through his family heritage, however, he is eligible to represent Haiti — a nation that has already secured qualification for next summer’s tournament in North America.

Haiti national football team booked their place at the World Cup for the first time since 1974 with a 2-0 victory over Nicaragua last month. That success has accelerated recruitment plans as Migné looks to strengthen his squad with eligible dual-nationality players.

The context around the Haiti setup is unusual. Due to ongoing civil unrest following the 2010 earthquake, the national team has been operating entirely from abroad. Home matches are staged in Curaçao, while head coach Migné himself has yet to visit the country in person.

Despite those challenges, planning for the World Cup is well underway. Reports in recent weeks have suggested Haiti are keen to add Isidor to a squad that already includes Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.

In comments quoted by The Herald, Migné confirmed that talks with Isidor are planned — but stressed that World Cup qualification alone will not be enough to convince him.

“If other players were to join our squad, I need to talk to them individually to discover their reasons and enthusiasm for myself,” Migné said.

“I don’t want players joining up by default just because we are at the World Cup. So I intend to meet both Odsonne and Wilson soon.

“I would use the example of Jean-Kevin Duverne, who joined up with us last year and has taken the project very seriously indeed.”

The message is clear: commitment to the long-term project matters as much as talent.

Isidor has previously spoken openly about the decision facing him, admitting that while the World Cup is a dream, he remains undecided.

“I would like to set myself the goal of going to the World Cup, it’s definitely still a dream,” Isidor told L’Équipe. “I have two possibilities: France and Haiti. Haiti has already approached me, but I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m focusing on my club.”

Having followed Sunderland closely this season, Isidor’s form and importance at club level make the timing of any decision particularly delicate. Regular football on Wearside remains his priority, but the lure of a guaranteed World Cup pathway is significant.

A switch to Haiti would offer Isidor a realistic route to international football on the biggest stage, something that remains unlikely with France given the depth of attacking talent available. From Sunderland’s perspective, World Cup involvement could raise the striker’s profile significantly — though it would also bring additional physical demands.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions. Talks with Migné will likely centre on role clarity, long-term commitment and how international duty can coexist with club responsibilities.

Discussions between Isidor and the Haiti camp are expected in the coming weeks. A decision before the end of the season would allow for integration ahead of the World Cup build-up, but the striker is under no immediate pressure to commit.

For now, Sunderland remain his focus — but the international crossroads is approaching fast.

Should Wilson Isidor seize the chance to play at a World Cup with Haiti, or hold out hope of a future France call-up?