Haiti's World Cup squad has been compelled to make a last-minute alteration to their kit just days before their opening match against Scotland. The Caribbean nation, set to face Brazil and Morocco in Group B, fell foul of FIFA's strict regulations regarding political imagery on uniforms.
FIFA Prohibits Political Messaging
The original design, produced by manufacturer Saeta, featured the Battle of Vertieres, a significant event that preceded Haiti's declaration of independence from France in the early 19th century. However, FIFA strictly forbids any political messaging on kit, leading to the required change.
Saeta released a statement explaining the situation: "Working in close collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, our objective throughout the process was to create a jersey that celebrated 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. 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.
"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. While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA. We remain proud to have contributed, alongside the Haitian Football Federation, to this historic moment for Haitian football and wish the team every success at the FIFA World Cup."
Haiti's Return to the World Stage
Haiti last appeared at the World Cup finals in 1974, when they were eliminated at the group stage. Their qualification this year ends a 52-year absence. The team, ranked 83rd in the world, finished top of a CONCACAF qualifying group that included Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. Fellow group winners Curacao and Panama also progressed, while Jamaica and Suriname failed to secure their places through the intercontinental play-offs.
With the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualifying as co-hosts, only three additional CONCACAF nations earned spots in the tournament.
Warm-Up Friendlies and Squad
Led by French manager Sebastien Migne, Haiti played two warm-up friendlies in Miami. They defeated New Zealand 4-0 but lost 2-1 to Peru. The squad includes two players with Premier League experience: Wolves midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor, both of whom represented France at youth level before switching allegiance to Haiti.
Haiti's group stage campaign begins against Scotland in Foxborough, followed by matches against Brazil in Philadelphia and Morocco in Atlanta.
