Port-au-prince: Haiti was forced to change jerseys on the eve of the 2026 World Cup after FIFA ruled that some design elements were too "political." Haiti will kick off their opening match against Scotland on Saturday.

According to Anadolu Agency, kit manufacturer Saeta said it has worked closely with FIFA throughout the approval process and has "successfully implemented the requested modifications." Saeta stated that their objective, in collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, was to create a jersey celebrating the pride, resilience, and spirit of the Haitian people.

Several concepts were developed and refined over a number of months and submitted through FIFA's standard approval process. Saeta's final design was intended as a tribute to the men and women contributing to Haiti's future rather than a political statement. However, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and requested modifications to the design. Despite differing interpretations, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.

The jerseys, available in blue, white, and red, feature the national team badge in the center. The disputed element was a graphic on the right hip showing silhouettes inspired by the Battle of Vertieres and the Haitian Revolution against French rule. In 1803, revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines, later Haiti's first emperor, removed the white band from a French flag to create a new flag for "the world's first free Black republic." This event is commemorated nationwide every May 18 as Haitian Flag Day.