Haiti Alteres Kit Design for 2026 World Cup Debut

Haiti's World Cup shirt was altered four days before their opener after it was ruled it violated equipment regulations

World Cup kit change ordered Just four days before their 2026 World Cup opening match against Scotland, Haiti’s football association had to redesign their team shirts. The original design included an image of the 1803 Battle of Vertieres, a pivotal fight that secured Haiti’s independence, with the national flag embedded. However, FIFA’s equipment rules bar any ‘political, religious, or personal messages or slogans’ from appearing on match attire. The governing body determined that certain visual elements in the shirt could be interpreted as violating these regulations, prompting the request for modifications. ## Manufacturer explains design intent Colombian kit maker Saeta stated the original shirt design was meant as ‘a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti’s future’ and was not created as a political statement. In a formal response, the company explained that FIFA’s interpretation of its visual elements differed from Saeta’s original intention. Despite this disagreement, Saeta followed the process and implemented all final design changes requested by FIFA. The manufacturer emphasized its respect for the governing body’s equipment regulations throughout the adjustment. ## World Cup campaign begins Haiti will make their World Cup debut in 52 years when they face Scotland at Boston Stadium in Foxborough at 02:00 BST on Sunday. The Caribbean nation is drawn in Group C alongside five-time winners Brazil and Morocco. In Haiti’s only previous World Cup appearance in 1974, they lost all three group-stage matches and conceded 14 goals across those games.