2026 World Cup: FIFA forces Haiti to alter its official jersey

World Cup 2026 Today at 03:28

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

FIFA has compelled the Haitian national team to modify its official jersey. The news was confirmed on Wednesday by the kit manufacturer responsible for the Grenadiers' shirt.

According to the brand, football's global governing body felt that certain visual elements on the jersey could be subject to various interpretations. Without specifying the exact reasons behind the decision, Saeta stated it had made the required adjustments to ensure the kit complies with FIFA regulations.

A historic tribute deemed sensitive

The jersey in question featured a depiction of the 1803 Battle of Vertières, a pivotal moment in the Haitian revolution that led to the country's independence following the defeat of Napoleonic forces. Saeta maintains that the design's sole purpose was to celebrate the pride, resilience, and spirit of the Haitian people, and that it was by no means a political statement.

Back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, Haiti will face Scotland on June 13 before going up against Brazil and then Morocco in Group F.