Back to Headlines
Sports
Jun 11, 2026
Analyzed by Glm 4.5 Flash

Haiti Forced to Change World Cup Kit Over War Imagery

AI Summary
Haiti has been forced to change their World Cup 2026 kit design after FIFA objected to a depiction of the Battle of Vertières, a war scene that secured Haiti's independence. The Colombian manufacturer Saeta confirmed the change, stating the original design was intended as a tribute to those contributing to Haiti's future, not as a political statement.

The Lead: Haiti's World Cup Kit Controversy

Haiti has been forced to change their kit design just days before their FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match after the governing body banned a depiction of a war scene on the shirts. The national team had already worn the controversial design during warm-up matches against Peru and New Zealand in Florida.

The Event Details: Battle of Vertières Depiction

Saeta, the kit manufacturer, confirmed the change in a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday. The objection was to an illustration of the Battle of Vertières in 1803, which secured Haiti's independence, with the national flag embedded on the shirts. Haitian footballers wore the shirt during their friendlies against Peru on June 5 and New Zealand on June 2.

The FIFA Regulations: Prohibited Imagery

According to FIFA equipment regulations, the use of any "political, religious, or personal messages or slogans" on the kit is prohibited. Saeta explained in their statement: "The final design presented by Saeta was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti's future and was not intended as a political statement."

The Tournament Outlook: Haiti's World Cup Debut

Haiti begin their first World Cup campaign in 52 years against Scotland in Boston on Saturday, June 13. They are then due to face South American giants Brazil in Philadelphia on June 19, followed by African heavyweights Morocco five days later, in Atlanta, US. The team will now wear the modified kit that meets FIFA's regulations after the manufacturer respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.