PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Garven-Michée Metusala |
| Date of Birth | 31 December 1999 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada |
| Nationality | Haitian (born in Canada to Haitian mother, Congolese father) |
| Height | 1.85–1.86 m / 6 ft 1 in |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #23 |
| Current Club | Colorado Springs Switchbacks |
| Previous Clubs | CS St-Hubert, CS Fabrose, AS Blainville, Forge FC |
| International Caps | 16 |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 (squad member, did not play) |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America represented a remarkable achievement for Garven Metusala—a last-minute call-up that turned his lifelong dream into reality.
Just days before Haiti’s tournament opener against Scotland, midfielder Leverton Pierre was ruled out with a Level 2 right adductor injury. The Haitian Football Federation turned to Metusala, the 26-year-old centre-back from Terrebonne, Quebec, who had been a consistent presence in the national team setup since his debut in March 2022.
“I think it’s every kid’s dream to play in a World Cup,” Metusala reflected. “When you start playing football, that’s the ultimate goal, and to be able to achieve it at 26 is special.”
At the tournament, Metusala was an unused substitute for Haiti’s group-stage matches against Scotland, Brazil, and Morocco. Haiti were eliminated without earning a point, but for Metusala—who had risen from Quebec’s semi-professional leagues to the global stage—the experience was already a victory.
Origins
Garven-Michée Metusala was born on 31 December 1999 in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, to a Haitian mother and a Congolese father. His multicultural heritage gave him a deep connection to Haiti, a country he would later represent with pride. He grew up in Quebec, beginning his football journey with Étoiles de L’Est, before joining the Montreal Impact Academy from 2013 to 2016.
Metusala was vice-captain of Team Quebec at the 2017 Canada Summer Games, where he won a bronze medal. He played college soccer for Dawson College for two years, winning a bronze medal in 2017, and later committed to Concordia University in 2019, though he never played a U Sports match due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Professional Forge
Early Career & Semi-Professional (2018-2020):
Before turning professional, Metusala played in Quebec’s semi-professional Ligue de soccer élite du Québec (PLSQ). He played for CS St-Hubert in 2018 (18 appearances), CS Fabrose in 2019 (12 appearances), and AS Blainville in 2020 (4 appearances), winning the league title with Blainville during the COVID-shortened season.
Forge FC (2021-2024):
Metusala’s professional career began when he was selected in the first round of the 2021 CPL–U Sports Draft by Forge FC. He signed his first professional contract on 23 June 2021 and made his debut on 27 June 2021 against Valour FC.
Over four seasons with Forge, Metusala made 112 appearances in all competitions, scoring 2 goals and winning two Canadian Premier League titles in 2022 and 2023. He was part of Forge’s CONCACAF Champions League campaigns in 2023 and 2024.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks (2025-Present):
In January 2025, Metusala joined USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks. In the 2025 season, he made 30 appearances, recording 2,431 minutes of action. By the time of his World Cup call-up, he had made 22 appearances for the Switchbacks.
International Career
Senior Debut & Gold Cups:
Metusala made his senior debut for Haiti on 28 March 2022. He has since earned 16 caps for Les Grenadiers. He was a squad member for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he made 3 appearances, and the 2025 Gold Cup, where he made 2 appearances.
World Cup Qualifying:
During the final stage of World Cup qualifying, Metusala made appearances against Costa Rica and Honduras. He played 45 minutes against Honduras in a strong defensive showing.
2026 World Cup Campaign:
Metusala was added to Haiti’s World Cup squad as an injury replacement for Leverton Pierre, who was ruled out with a Level 2 right adductor injury. He joined fellow Switchbacks player Duke Lacroix and El Paso Locomotive’s Carl Sainté in the squad. At the tournament, Metusala was an unused substitute in all three of Haiti’s group-stage matches.
The Anatomy of His Game
Metusala is a right-footed centre-back known for his physicality, aerial ability, and reliability.
In Possession:
Metusala is a composed defender who contributes to build-up play. He has accumulated 3 goals and 2 assists in 157 career appearances across club and country.
Out of Possession:
Metusala’s defensive contributions are his primary asset. In the USL Championship 2026 season, he averaged 0.85 tackles, 0.99 interceptions, and 4.26 clearances per 90 minutes, ranking in the 78th percentile for aerial duels won and the 86th percentile for clearances. His clean sheet record stands at 22%, and he has never been dribbled past—placing him in the 99th percentile for not being beaten by opponents.
Psychological Edge:
Metusala’s journey from Quebec’s semi-professional leagues to the World Cup is a testament to his determination and professionalism. He has been described as a “consistent and reliable presence on the international stage.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: Club Career
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forge FC | 2021-2024 | 84+ (112 across comps) | 2 |
| Colorado Springs Switchbacks | 2025-Present | 22+ | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | 106+ | 2 |
TABLE B: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 5 | 0 |
| World Cup Qualifying | 2 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 2 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| Senior Career | 16 | 0 |
TABLE C: Key Career Achievements
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| Canadian Premier League | 2022, 2023 (Forge FC) |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup Participant | 2023, 2025 |
| FIFA World Cup Squad Member | 2026 |
| CONCACAF Champions League Participant | 2023, 2024 |
What these figures reveal is a player who has risen through the ranks of North American football. His 112 appearances for Forge and two CPL titles demonstrate his winning pedigree, while his 16 senior caps and World Cup selection reflect his standing with the Haitian national team.
The Present Tense
Garven Metusala is 26 years old and at a defining stage of his career. He is a centre-back for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the USL Championship and a World Cup squad member for Haiti.
The Switchbacks Story:
Metusala joined Colorado Springs in January 2025 and has become a regular starter. He has made 30 appearances for the club, recording 2,431 minutes. He continues to be a reliable presence in the Switchbacks’ defence.
The World Cup Campaign:
Metusala was added to Haiti's World Cup squad as an injury replacement. He was an unused substitute in all three of Haiti's group-stage matches. Haiti were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Metusala has earned 16 caps for Haiti since his debut on 28 March 2022. He has represented Haiti at two CONCACAF Gold Cups (2023, 2025). He was part of Haiti’s World Cup qualifying campaign and the 2026 World Cup squad.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Metusala is defined by his multicultural heritage and his journey from Quebec’s semi-professional leagues to the World Cup. Born in Canada to a Haitian mother and a Congolese father, he chose to represent Haiti. His connection to Haiti runs deep, and representing Les Grenadiers on the global stage has been a point of pride.
His World Cup call-up was a last-minute opportunity. Metusala was named to the squad after Leverton Pierre was ruled out with injury. He joined his Switchbacks teammate Duke Lacroix in the Haiti squad, one of several former CPL players to feature at the tournament. The call-up was recognition of his consistency and reliability in both club and international football.
The Verdict from the Camp
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Official Statement:
“Metusala has been a consistent and reliable presence on the international stage.”
USL Championship Official Statement:
“The 26-year-old has made 30 appearances in the USL Championship since joining the Switchbacks for the 2025 season, recording 2,431 minutes of action.”
Canadian Premier League Official Statement:
“Another former Canadian Premier League player is headed to this summer’s World Cup, with Haiti announcing Garven Metusala will join their squad as an injury replacement.”
Where Next?
Garven Metusala is 26 years old and has established himself as a reliable centre-back in the USL Championship. His World Cup selection has elevated his profile significantly. He remains under contract with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, where he is a regular starter.
For Haiti, Metusala represents a dependable defensive option. With 16 caps and experience at two Gold Cups and a World Cup, he is an established international. He is expected to continue competing for a place in the Haiti squad.
From Terrebonne to Montreal, from Forge FC to Colorado Springs, and from the CPL to the World Cup, Garven Metusala’s journey is a story of persistence, resilience, and quiet achievement. The boy from Quebec who chose to represent his mother’s homeland is now a World Cup player—and proof that hard work and reliability can take you to the biggest stage of all.
