Haiti compelled to redesign World Cup uniforms due to depiction of conflict symbols

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Haiti forward Ruben Providence (15) reacts after scoring a goal against New Zealand goalkeeper Alex Paulsen (12) in the first half of their friendly soccer match at Chase Stadium on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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Haiti have been forced to change their kit design just days before their World Cup opener against Scotland after FIFA banned a depiction of a war scene on the shirts.

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An illustration of the Battle of Vertieres in 1803, which secured Haiti’s independence, with the Haitian flag had been embedded on the shirts worn by the players in two warm-up friendlies in Florida.

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Colombian manufacturer Saeta said on Wednesday that they have modified the kit to meet FIFA’s regulations.

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“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,” Saeta said in a statement posted on Instagram.

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“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.

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“While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.”

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Haiti begin their first World Cup campaign in 52 years against Scotland in Boston on Saturday.

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The Caribbean minnows, ranked 83rd in the world, then face the might of five-time winners Brazil and African champions Morocco in Group C.

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Haiti’s qualification is one of the most inspiring tales of the tournament.

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Despite a backdrop of domestic chaos, with the impoverished nation grappling with gang violence that meant they were unable to play home qualifiers in the country, they have reached just a second World Cup in their history.

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“We know people might have a bad image of our country, that it has lots of problems, but this will do the country, the people, my family so much good,” star midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde told AFP.

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