Haiti forced to change World Cup shirt over ‘political message’

WorldFootball
11 Jun 2026 • 3:01 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Haiti forced to change World Cup shirt over ‘political message’

  • Haiti's World Cup 2026 shirts were forced into a late design change after FIFA deemed the original violated regulations on political speech.
  • The initial shirt depicted a war scene from the 1803 Battle of Vertieres, which secured Haiti's independence, and had been seen in pre-tournament friendlies.
  • FIFA objected to the illustration, as it is said to contravene FIFA’s rules against any “political, religious, or personal messages or slogans” on kits.
  • Saeta confirmed on Wednesday that modifications were made, with the shirt manufacturer emphasising that it did not intend the shirt to be a political statement.
  • Haiti is participating in its first World Cup in 52 years, and is set to play in Group C against Scotland, Morocco, and Brazil.

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