World Cup 2026: FIFA forces a team to alter its jersey

World Cup 2026 11 June 2026 at 02:00

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

Just days before their return to the World Cup, Haiti has been forced to alter its official kit. FIFA determined that an element on the shirt did not comply with its neutrality rules.

With the 2026 World Cup kickoff fast approaching, Haiti is now facing an unexpected controversy. FIFA has ordered the Caribbean squad to make changes to their official jerseys, deeming them non-compliant with tournament regulations. The reason? An illustration of the Battle of Vertières—a pivotal moment in Haitian independence—was classified by the governing body as a political element, which is strictly prohibited on official equipment.

Read also: Algeria vs. Bolivia: the official line-ups are out!

Kit supplier Saeta, however, responded swiftly.

"We have successfully implemented the requested modifications," they confirmed on social media, putting to rest any risk to Haiti’s participation.

Despite this, a sense of bitterness remains. The kit was designed as a tribute to the pride and resilience of the Haitian people, who are returning to the world stage for the first time since 1974. A century-old chapter of history erased by a single article of regulation.

Related teams and leagues

Haiti

World Cup