Haiti alter World Cup 2026 jersey design after FIFA objection
California, June 11
Haiti's football team has been forced to modify their World Cup 2026 jerseys after FIFA raised concerns over elements of the original design that depicted a scene from the nation's struggle for independence, reported Reuters.
Colombia-based sportswear manufacturer Saeta confirmed on Wednesday that the shirts, created in collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, had been altered following FIFA's review process.
The company said the design was intended to honour Haiti's history and celebrate the country's pride, resilience and national spirit rather than make a political statement.
"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," Saeta said in a statement, according to Reuters.
"While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA," the statement added.
Neither FIFA nor the Haitian Football Federation immediately commented on the matter.
The jersey controversy comes just days before Haiti begin their World Cup campaign in Group C. The Caribbean nation will open against Scotland in Boston on Saturday before facing five-time champions Brazil later in the group stage. Haiti will then conclude their group fixtures against Morocco on June 25.
As teams finalise preparations for football's biggest event, excitement continues to build across the three host countries -- Canada, Mexico and the United States -- which are jointly staging the World Cup for the first time in history.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed the Consuls General of Canada and Mexico in a symbolic celebration of the tri-nation tournament. Sharing the occasion on X, Newsom highlighted California's readiness to host matches and praised the partnership between the three countries.
"FIFA World Cup ready! It's an honour for California to celebrate with our partners in Canada and Mexico ahead of the world's biggest sporting event," Newsom wrote.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Typical FIFA overreach. They want to sanitize everything. Every country's flag and history has some political origin. If Haiti's jersey was too 'political', then what about Brazil's flag with the positivist motto? Or India's Ashoka Chakra? It's ridiculous. Let the team wear their pride!
As someone who follows football closely, I think FIFA needs to be consistent. They allowed the Ukrainian peace symbol but not Haiti's independence imagery? The rules should be clear. That said, Haiti in Group C with Brazil and Morocco is tough. Best of luck to them.
I'm a bit conflicted. On one hand, I get that FIFA wants to keep politics out of sport. On the other hand, honoring history isn't political—it's cultural. Haiti has been through so much (earthquakes, instability), and this jersey was a chance to show resilience. They should have fought harder. 🇭🇹
As an Indian, I appreciate the respect for procedure, but sometimes rules can be too rigid. Haiti's jersey was meant to inspire, not offend. Meanwhile, Newsom's little celebration event feels like virtue signaling. Focus on the football, not the politics.
So FIFA lets Qatar's controversial World Cup happen but stops Haiti from having a historical design? The double standards are glaring. Anyway, I'm rooting for Haiti against Scotland—they have nothing to lose and everything to prove. Go Caribbean power! ⚽
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.