Haiti modify their World Cup 2026 kit after FIFA asks for changes over the original design’s embedded historical imagery. Multiple reports say the shirt included a depiction connected to Haiti’s fight for independence, commonly described as referencing the 1803 Battle of Vertières. FIFA rules at issue reportedly bar “political, religious or personal messages or slogans” on playing kits, and the world football governing body determined that certain elements of Haiti’s design could be interpreted as breaching those regulations.
Haiti make the adjustment ahead of their opening Group C match against Scotland, scheduled for days after the kit change. The change follows a complaint or determination by FIFA and is carried out on the kit produced by Colombian manufacturer Saeta. Saeta says the original design was intended as a tribute to the people contributing to Haiti’s future and was not meant to be political, but that FIFA’s interpretation differed from its intention. Saeta then implements the modifications requested by FIFA.
Several outlets also note the same design was used in Haiti’s pre-tournament friendlies, before the World Cup matchday kits were altered.
