Switchbacks defender Garven Metusala will join teammate and fellow defender Markhus “Duke” Lacroix in the World Cup. 

On Thursday, the Switchbacks announced that Metusala had been called up to the Haitian national team. Metusala helped Haiti win its group in the CONCACAF qualifier late last year, sending the team to its first World Cup in over 50 years and its second overall berth.

Metusala wasn’t selected to the 26-man roster earlier this year, despite being called up 22 times and making 15 appearances, including 14 starts with over 1,100 minutes for Haiti. 

The Switchbacks voiced their support for the 26-year-old Metusala, with Lacroix highlighting his importance to the Haitian team.

“He’s been with the group for a long period of time,” Lacroix said last month. “He was the one that paved the way. He was with the group before even I was with the group and he helped start this journey. He made this possible, to be frank, and I think he’s deserving of and quality enough to be part of this group to continue the story forward.”

Now, Metusala will have the chance to continue Haiti’s story as the team faces Scotland in its first World Cup match on Saturday.