World Cup 2026, Haiti case also breaks out: shirt rejected by FIFA
Another case breaks out even before the 2026 World Cup begins, and this time Haiti is at the center of the controversy. Specifically, the particular jersey that the Caribbean selection (qualified for the first time since 1974, when it also faced Italy) had decided to wear in the event hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada. One detail of the shirt prepared by technical sponsor Saeta, however, did not please none other than FIFA, which demanded its complete removal.
In fact, if the shirt presented by Haiti featured the traditional blue and red colors as well as the logo of the local federation, in its lower part it depicted a different flag than the one currently in use. In fact, one could make out that of 1803, used at the time of the Battle of Vertières fought against France and which would lead to independence. According to Saeta a tribute to Haitian citizens, according to FIFA a political statement. Sufficient, as such, to reject the game outfit.
“We worked closely with the Haitian Football Federation, and in the process we had the intent to create a shirt that celebrated the pride, resilience and spirit of the Haitian people,” Saeta explained in a press statement. “We developed and refined certain aspects over the course of months, submitting them to the classic FIFA approval process. The final design was intended as a tribute to the men and women who make contributions to Haiti’s future every day. It was not intended as a political statement.”
“During its review process, FIFA determined that some visual elements may be interpreted differently and requested changes to the design. Although this interpretation differed from our intent, Saeta complied with the process and adopted the final requirements that FIFA communicated. We remain proud to have contributed to this historic moment for Haiti, side-by-side with its federation,” are the words with which the note concludes.
The jersey controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Caribbean national team, which is about to embark on its World Cup adventure with the knowledge that it is one of the tournament’s outsiders. Haiti has been placed in Group C along with Brazil, Morocco and Scotland, an iron group that represents a huge challenge for a selection in its historic second participation in the final phase of a World Cup. The draw, held last December in Washington, had placed Haiti in the fourth bracket, reflecting its status as an underdog in the competition.
Despite the technical difficulties that await the team on the field, the Haitian national team has already shown it can compete at certain levels. In the last pre-World Cup test played, Peru — a national team that failed to qualify for the World Cup — needed a comeback to overcome Haiti 2-1, a sign that the Caribbean selection does not intend to play the role of mere extra. Morocco itself, one of the group’s opponents, came to the World Cup meeting fresh off 28 matches without defeat and with a string of continental titles under its belt, confirming how complicated the path awaiting Haiti in the tournament is.
