Former Premier League star reveals honourable reason behind turning down shock World Cup call

Odsonne Edouard has explained why he humbly chose to turn down an opportunity to play at the 2026 World Cup.

Edouard, who made 100 Premier League appearances across spells at Crystal Palace and Leicester, played at youth level for France.

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The striker was part of their U17 Euros triumph in 2015 where he was top scorer on eight goals, three of which came in the final.

Despite this, Edouard has never played for the French national team at senior level, nor any other international side.

However, his parents are of Haitian descent, and the Caribbean side will make their second ever World Cup appearance this summer.

FIFA agent Jerome Salbert told the BBC that a Haiti squad call-up was possible for Edouard.

The 28-year-old will not be heading to the United States, Canada and Mexico though, and explained why he has opted to stay at home.

“No, I didn’t feel legitimate playing in this World Cup because the players fought to qualify and I wasn’t going to show up at the last minute to take advantage of this World Cup,” he said via Goal.com.

“If I’m going to play in it, I have to earn it.”

Sunderland star Wilson Isidor has been named as an attacking option for Haiti, as well as MLS talents Louicius Deedson and Derrick Etienne.

Who do Haiti play at the World Cup?

Haiti made their World Cup debut in 1974 and finished bottom with zero points in Group 4 during the first stage.

They played Poland, Argentina and Italy, and their next group test doesn’t get any easier.

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Record five-time winners Brazil will meet them in Group C, as well as Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco and Scotland.

The latter are Haiti’s opening opponents on June 13, with Brazil coming six days later before the final test with Morocco on June 24.

Whoever wins Group C faces the runner-up in Group F, who will be one of Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, in the last 32.

Also, second-place in Group C meets the winner of Group F.

talkSPORT will have live commentary of all 104 matches at the World Cup, which includes Haiti’s clash against Scotland.