Haiti has been compelled to redesign its FIFA World Cup 2026 kit just days before its opening fixture, after football’s governing body outlawed a depiction of the historic Battle of Vertières on its shirts.
FIFA raised objections to silhouettes on the shirt’s right hip, inspired by the 1803 battle, a defining moment in Haiti’s revolution, when revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines tore the white band from a French tricolour to craft a new flag for what became the world’s first free Black republic. The moment is commemorated across the nation every 18th May.
Kit manufacturers Saeta confirmed they had collaborated with FIFA to comply with the stipulated changes, maintaining the design was intended as “a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti’s future” and carried no political motivation whatsoever.
“FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications,” Saeta said, adding that the company had “respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.”
Haiti’s strips — blue (home), white (away), and red (third), all featuring red collars, sleeves, and the national badge at the centre — remain otherwise unaltered, save for the removal of the contentious artwork on the hip.
Saeta said it remained proud of its role in contributing to “this historic moment for Haitian football” and extended its best wishes to the squad ahead of the tournament.
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