FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Was Haiti Asked To Change Their Jersey Just Hours Ahead Of The WC?

With hours left for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to start in the Americas, the Pandora’s box of controversy leading up to the WC seems to not stop. Already, several nations (like Iran, Iraq and South Africa) have faced entry problems owing to the geopolitical scenario. On the other hand, Somalia’s Artan also faced step-motherly treatment from the authorities when he was denied entry into the country.

In this long trail of controversies, Haiti is the latest entrant, with the team asked to make new jerseys on the eve of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA authorities have asked the country to redesign their jersey to tone down certain elements which are ‘Too Political’ in nature. The Concacaf qualifiers are set to open their group stage against Scotland on Saturday.

What Has Been The Response Of Kit Manufacturers?

In response to the decision of FIFA, kit manufacturer Saeta confirmed that the design language of the jersey was in full compliance with the guidelines set by FIFA. The company further said that it had successfully implemented the requested modifications highlighted by FIFA.

“We have been working in close collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation. Our objective throughout the process was to create a jersey that celebrated the pride, resilience and spirit of the Haitian People. Several concepts were developed and refined over a number of months and submitted through FIFA’s standard approval process. 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,” Saeta said.

“During the review process, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to the design,” the manufacturer’s statement continued.

The Colombian sports brand further stated that although the interpretation differed from its original intention, it respected the process and implemented FIFA’s final requirements, adding that it remained proud to have contributed alongside the Haitian Football Federation and wished the team success at the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Where Did The Problem Arise?

The Haitian jersey comes in blue (home), white (away), and red (third) with red collars and sleeves, and the national team’s badge in the center of the shirt.

The point of contention resided on the shirt’s right hip, which depicted silhouettes inspired by the Battle of Vertières and the Haitian Revolution. In 1803, revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who later became the nation’s first emperor, tore the white band off a French flag to create a new flag for “the world’s first free Black republic”. The moment is commemorated throughout the nation every 18 May as Haitian Flag Day.

The iconography features across all three Haiti shirts released by Saeta ahead of the tournament, with each version already sold out on the brand’s website. The manufacturer shows no indication of producing alternative designs, while FIFA’s official store offers only limited Haiti merchandise, restricted to a trucker hat and a scarf.