Etienne’s international profile is the more established. The report says the Richmond-born forward played 17 matches for Virginia in 2015 before building a professional career in the USL and MLS. Now with Toronto FC, he is reported to have made 51 appearances for Haiti and scored eight international goals.
That experience could make Etienne an important figure for Haiti, particularly in a group containing established tournament opponents. His reported club total of 40 goals in 325 appearances also points to a career built on durability rather than a short burst of form.
Bell followed a longer collegiate path, spending three seasons with Virginia from 2017 to 2019. The update credits the midfielder with 55 appearances, six goals and 10 assists for the Cavaliers. He has since become a regular for New Zealand, with the report listing 38 international appearances and one goal.
The report lists difficult opening fixtures for both nations:
For Etienne, the Haiti schedule offers an immediate test against Scotland before meetings with Brazil and Morocco. Bell’s New Zealand begins against Iran, followed by Egypt and Belgium, giving the midfielder three contrasting challenges in a compact group stage.
Virginia’s World Cup interest will centre on two players who took different routes after college. Etienne brings international experience and a family connection to Haiti, while Bell represents the steady progression of a midfielder who has remained part of New Zealand’s setup since his reported debut in 2021.
Attention now turns to the opening fixtures, beginning with Haiti’s meeting with Scotland on June 13, before Bell and New Zealand enter the tournament two days later.