Haiti forced to change World Cup shirt over ‘political message’
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Haiti‘s World Cup 2026 shirts were forced into a late design change after FIFA deemed the original violated regulations on political speech.
The initial shirt depicted a war scene from the 1803 Battle of Vertieres, which secured Haiti’s independence, and had been seen in pre-tournament friendlies.
FIFA objected to the illustration, as it is said to contravene FIFA’s rules against any “political, religious, or personal messages or slogans” on kits.
Saeta confirmed on Wednesday that modifications were made, with the shirt manufacturer emphasising that it did not intend the shirt to be a political statement.
Haiti is participating in its first World Cup in 52 years, and is set to play in Group C against Scotland, Morocco, and Brazil.
