FIFA has forced Haiti to change its World Cup jerseys just days before the tournament begins, citing concerns that the design could be interpreted as a political message. The team must now redesign its uniform ahead of Sunday's match against Scotland.
Why the Jersey Change Was Required
Haiti's jersey, produced by Colombian manufacturer Saeta, featured an image of soldiers raising a flag. The white shirt showed Haitian troops hoisting their own national flag, while the blue shirt displayed soldiers lifting a Polish flag. FIFA determined that these visual elements could be seen as political under its equipment regulations.
Historical Ties Between Haiti and Poland
The Polish flag on the jersey was a tribute to Polish Legion soldiers who aided Haiti during its fight for independence from France in the 1803 Battle of Vertieres. Although originally sent to Haiti (then Saint-Domingue) to fight alongside the French, many Polish troops defected to support local rebels and enslaved people. After independence, leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines granted them full citizenship. Today, descendants of those Polish soldiers still live on the island.
Poland failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing in the UEFA playoffs.
Saeta's Response
Saeta issued a statement on Instagram explaining that the design was intended as a tribute, not a political statement. The company said: "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." They added that while FIFA's interpretation differed from their intention, they respected the process and implemented the required modifications.
Haiti's World Cup History
This will be Haiti's first World Cup appearance in 52 years. The nation qualified thanks to the tournament's expansion to 48 teams and automatic entries for co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Ranked 83rd in the world by FIFA, Haiti faces a tough group stage.
