Haiti Forced to Change World Cup Jerseys Over ‘Political' Battle Design
Haiti's long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup has been overshadowed by a last-minute row over its national team jersey, after the sport's governing body ruled elements of the design breached rules on political messaging.
Just days before their opening match, Haiti were told to alter their kits after FIFA raised concerns over artwork depicting the Battle of Vertières, a pivotal moment in the country's fight for independence.
The design, created by manufacturer Saeta in collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, had been worn in pre-tournament friendlies but was ultimately deemed non-compliant during FIFA's final approval process.
Why FIFA Objected to the Design
FIFA enforces strict rules that prohibit political or ideological messaging on team kits during international competitions.
Under its equipment regulations, "political, religious, or personal messages or slogans" are not allowed on kits.
According to Saeta, FIFA concluded that elements of the Haitian jersey "could be interpreted differently" under those rules, prompting a request for modifications.
Newsweek reached out to FIFA via email for comment.
"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," Saeta said in a statement. "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."
They added: "We remain proud to have contributed, alongside the Haitian Football Federation, to this historic moment for Haitian football and wish the team every success at the FIFA World Cup."
Newsweek reached out to Saeta via email for comment.
The governing body's stance reflects its wider effort to maintain political neutrality at World Cup tournaments, extending to kits, fan displays and stadium messaging.
What Is the Battle of Vertières?
The contested imagery referenced the Battle of Vertières in 1803, one of the most significant events in Haitian history.
The battle marked the decisive defeat of French forces and paved the way for Haiti's independence in 1804, making it the first nation founded by formerly enslaved people after a successful revolution.
For many Haitians, the battle is a symbol of national identity, resilience and liberation-which Saeta said was the intent behind incorporating the design into the jersey.
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What Happens Next
Haiti will now compete in a modified version of the kit when they take part in their first World Cup in more than 50 years.
The late change has added to a series of off-field controversies surrounding the 2026 tournament, which has already faced scrutiny over travel, visas and security issues involving teams and officials.
Despite the disruption, Haiti-drawn in a group with Scotland, Brazil and Morocco-will still make a historic return to soccer’s biggest stage, albeit in a kit that looks slightly different from the one originally intended. Their first game takes place on Saturday, June 13 and is against Scotland.
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 1:36 AM.