It’s been an exciting year for Vancouver FC forward Mikaël Cantave, and the momentum shows no signs of stopping! The talented Ottawa native has just earned his third call-up of 2024 to represent Haiti in the upcoming Concacaf Nations League (CNL) group stage matches. At 27, Cantave is proving he’s a force to be reckoned with, both in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and on the international stage.
Cantave’s call-up follows a string of impressive performances, including his role in Haiti’s Group C League B matches earlier this month. He kicked off the competition with a starting role in a thrilling victory against Puerto Rico on September 6, and just days later, he came off the bench against Sint Maarten and quickly made his mark, scoring two goals—one just two minutes after entering the game! Haiti remains undefeated in their group, with an astounding ten goals across the first two matches. Up next for Cantave and his Haitian teammates? A double showdown with Aruba on October 11 and October 14.
But this isn’t Cantave’s first rodeo with Haiti’s national team. The Vancouver forward, who proudly represents the country of his father’s birth, made his international debut back in 2018 and has since become a key player for the squad. In fact, earlier this year, he was called up for Haiti’s World Cup Qualifiers, registering an assist during two appearances in June. Across 16 international caps, Cantave has scored four goals and added two assists, solidifying his place as a dynamic attacker for the team.
VFC’s @MikiCantave had been called up by @fhfhaiti ahead of their upcoming @CNationsLeague matches 🇭🇹⚽️
Cantave will miss Vancouver FC’s final home match of 2024 against Valour FC on October 13 ❌
Read about it here 🔗: https://t.co/fZJE8o16Gq#VancouverFC #CanPL @CPLsoccer pic.twitter.com/HoiU0SLEJe
— Vancouver Football Club (@vanfootballclub) September 30, 2024
Since joining Vancouver FC as a mid-season transfer in 2023, Cantave has been a standout in the CPL, racking up 26 starts and 39 appearances in all competitions. With five goals and five assists to his name, including a career-best three assists this season, he’s been a fan favorite in Langley. Unfortunately, his call-up means he’ll miss Vancouver’s final regular-season home game on October 13 against Valour FC, but supporters will surely be cheering him on from afar.
As Cantave takes his talents to Aruba with the Haitian national team, the excitement continues to build. Whether it’s representing Vancouver FC or his national squad, one thing’s for sure—this forward’s stock is only rising. Stay tuned, because Mikaël Cantave is just getting started!
Cantave will not be available for Vancouver’s final CPL regular season home match on Sunday, Oct. 13 against Valour FC for the club’s Fan Appreciation Match. The game is set to kick off at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET and tickets can be purchased online here.