Kiki Ramos opts to represent Haiti at FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar

Stephen "Kiki" Ramos has chosen to represent Haiti instead of Argentina at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar, which runs from November 19 to December 13. The 17-year-old, who plays for Vélez Sarsfield, announced the switch via confirmation from the Haitian Football Federation.

Ramos was born in Port-au-Prince on April 3, 2009, and survived the 2010 Haitian earthquake before relocating to Argentina as a baby. He was raised in Buenos Aires after being adopted by an Argentine family and developed his footballing career at Vélez Sarsfield.

A gifted winger, Ramos is noted for his speed, strength and attacking instincts and has been described in reports as one of Haiti’s most promising young players. He recently signed his first professional deal with Vélez Sarsfield and has not yet made a senior debut for any national side.

At youth level he featured in friendly matches for Argentina’s Under-17 team. Those appearances were in friendlies, and he therefore remains eligible to represent Haiti at senior level since friendly matches do not bind a player to a national team.

The Haitian Football Federation (FFH) formally confirmed Ramos’s decision on social media, posting: "Stephen Oscar Ramos, nicknamed Kiki, born on April 3, 2009, in Port-au-Prince. The young Velez Sarsfield player has chosen Haiti and will join the U-17 national team in Brazil!"

The FFH added in the same announcement: "The FFH welcomes him to the Grenadier family. Thanks to his agent and Vélez Sarsfield for their cooperation. Kiki, you’re home!"

Ramos will be part of Haiti’s squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar, where Haiti have been drawn in Group D alongside France, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.