Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti square off in their opening Group D clash at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup on June 19, and all signs point toward an entertaining, goal-filled encounter. With both teams favouring attacking transitions and struggling for defensive consistency, this matchup could provide fireworks in Houston.
Trinidad & Tobago booked their Gold Cup place in emphatic fashion, dismantling Cuba 6–1 on aggregate in the qualification playoff. They have carried that attacking form into World Cup qualifying, where they scored 16 goals across four matches, including a 6–2 rout of St. Kitts & Nevis. Ten different players have found the net for the Soca Warriors during that campaign, a reflection of both their attacking depth and Dwight Yorke’s fluid offensive structure.
Key players like Levi Garcia and Dante Sealy have hit form at the right time. The duo combined for three goals and two assists in the win over St. Kitts & Nevis and look set to lead the line again. However, the attacking potency is offset by vulnerability at the back. Trinidad & Tobago have kept just four clean sheets in their last 20 matches, with lapses in defensive concentration a recurring issue.
Haiti, meanwhile, are no strangers to high-scoring games either. They notched 11 goals in their World Cup qualifying group and have attacking threats of their own in Duckens Nazon and the dynamic Teo James Michel. Though their defence has moments of organisation, they are known for playing with freedom in the final third, particularly in transition.
With both teams needing a positive result to stand a realistic chance of reaching the knockout rounds—given the presence of group heavyweights the United States—this match is unlikely to be cautious. A draw would help neither side much, so expect chances at both ends, open phases of play, and goals. Based on recent form and tactical intent, a high-scoring contest seems all but guaranteed.
How the bookies view it: Home win
Bookmakers see this as a tightly balanced contest, with Trinidad & Tobago priced at 4/1 to win, the draw at 13/5, and Haiti at 3/4. The odds reflect a strong preference for Haiti, though Trinidad & Tobago should not be ruled out. The market expects goals, with over 2.5 goals available at 23/20, while both teams to score is offered at 10/11—indicating a near even-money chance that both sides will find the net. Overall, the betting lines suggest a competitive, high-tempo match with little to separate the two sides.
Head to head: Honours even
Recent history since 2007 shows the teams have met nine times. In those matches, both sides have claimed victory four times, and one ended in draw.
A broader look at all historical encounters demonstrates there is little to choose between then nations. Out of 24 meetings, Haiti have won 13 wins, four draws, with Trinidad & Tobago winning 14. Additionally, matches between these sides tend to be entertaining. The last 10 matches between these nations have seen 90% go over 2.5 goals
Predicted line-ups
Trinidad & Tobago (4-3-3): Phillip; Cardines, Garcia, Jones, Bateau; Sealy, Molino, Phillips; Fortune, Spicer, Garcia
Haiti (4‑3‑3): Placide ; Duverne, Ade, Arcus, Lacroix; Jean Jacques, Pierre, Cantave; Nazon, Pierrot, Providence
Players to watch: Duckens the main man
Duckens Nazon is a strong candidate for goals, shots, and shots on target markets heading into Haiti’s clash with Trinidad & Tobago. The 31-year-old is Haiti’s all-time leading scorer with 40 goals in 69 caps and remains their most consistent attacking outlet. His recent form backs that up, Nazon has scored 16 times in his last 40 international appearances, averaging a goal every 2.5 games.
In tournament settings, he remains productive. Across his last 13 appearances in major competitions (the last four Gold Cups and the 2016 Copa America), he has taken 43 shots, with 18 on target, scoring five goals. That translates to over 3.3 shots per game and 1.4 on target, excellent volume for prop betting markets.
Haiti are likely to build their attack around Nazon, especially against a Trinidad & Tobago side that has conceded in 16 of their last 20 matches. As the team’s penalty taker and central striker, Nazon offers strong value in all attacking stat categories and is a reliable threat in front of goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
When Haiti take on Trinidad & Tobago in their Gold Cup opener, they will not just be aiming to avoid defeat, they have every reason to expect a win. This is a match that plays directly into Haiti’s strengths: tactical discipline, efficiency in transition, and a clear psychological edge over their Caribbean rivals.
Haiti come into the tournament ranked 83rd in the FIFA world rankings, 17 places above Trinidad & Tobago, and with a strong recent record in competitive fixtures. They topped their Nations League group with a perfect record and progressed to the final round of World Cup qualifying, showing consistency and defensive resolve. Despite a 5–0 loss to Curaçao, their response in tight games has been admirable.
They boast a well-balanced squad that mixes composure with flair. Duckens Nazon, the national team’s all-time leading scorer, leads the line with experience and goal-scoring pedigree, while Teo James Michel adds pace and creativity out wide. Behind them, a disciplined midfield and solid backline give Haiti the platform to control key moments.
Facing a Trinidad & Tobago side that has conceded in 16 of their last 20 matches, Haiti’s composure, finishing quality, and tactical clarity should be enough to secure all three points.
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