The Frenchman who took Haiti to the World Cup got a new job in Africa.

Sebastien Migne, a French football coach who guided Haiti to its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, has secured a new coaching role with Gabon, according to local media reports. The announcement came after Migne helped Haiti qualify for the tournament following more than five decades of absence, marking a historic moment for the Caribbean nation. Now, he will take charge of the Gabon national team, continuing his career in African football. Migne, aged 53, led Haiti through their campaign at the 2026 World Cup, which took place in the United States. Despite facing tough competition in Group B, where they were matched against Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland, the team managed to reach the knockout stages, though ultimately fell short of advancing further. This achievement was described as a milestone for Haitian football, given the country's long history of struggle in international competitions. The move to Gabon represents a return to Africa for Migne, who previously coached teams such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Equatorial Guinea. His experience in African football includes working as an assistant coach during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he supported the Cameroon national team. Migne’s deep knowledge of the continent and his ability to build competitive squads have made him a respected figure among football circles. His tenure with Haiti saw significant progress, particularly in terms of organizational structure and player development. While the team faced challenges in adapting to high-level competition, Migne’s leadership played a crucial role in elevating the standard of play. His appointment as head coach of Gabon is expected to bring similar improvements, leveraging his tactical acumen and familiarity with the region’s football landscape. Gabon, which has been competing in the FIFA World Cup since 2002, is currently ranked 73rd in the world. The country has had mixed results in recent tournaments, often falling short in critical matches. With Migne’s arrival, there is optimism that the national team could see a marked improvement in performance and consistency. His presence is likely to strengthen the squad’s cohesion and technical approach, drawing upon his extensive experience in both African and European football settings. The transition from Haiti to Gabon marks another chapter in Migne’s storied career, which has spanned several continents and multiple nations. Having worked with some of the most challenging teams in Africa, he brings a unique perspective to his new role. His success with Haiti has already positioned him as a key figure in modern football coaching, and his work with Gabon is anticipated to further solidify his reputation as one of the leading minds in the sport. As preparations for upcoming matches begin, the focus will shift toward how Migne can translate his achievements into sustained success for his new team.