SOCCER: Haiti alter World Cup uniforms following FIFA pushback

Haiti’s World Cup kit manufacturer, Saeta Sports, has modified the national team’s home, away, and third jerseys just three days before kickoff of their opening match, following concerns raised by FIFA that elements of the original design could be interpreted as having a political message.

The original kits, produced by Colombian manufacturer Saeta Sports, featured imagery that appeared to depict soldiers carrying the Polish national flag. The design was widely understood as a reference to Polish Legionnaires who defected from Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army and later supported Haiti during the Haitian Revolution from 1802 to 1804.

In the revised version of the uniforms, as shown in FIFA’s official team portraits, the collar and sleeve designs remain unchanged. However, the detailed imagery previously featured near the lower section of the shirts has been replaced with solid colors across all three kits.

Saeta Sports issued a statement on Instagram explaining the intention behind the original design, saying it was meant as a tribute to the men and women who contribute daily to Haiti’s future and was not intended to carry any political meaning.

“During the review process, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications to our design,” the company said. “While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements communicated by FIFA.”

The adjustments come as Haiti prepares for its second-ever World Cup appearance and its first since 1974. The team is set to begin its campaign on Saturday night in a Group C opener against Scotland in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Despite the changes mandated by FIFA, the original jersey designs remain available for purchase on Saeta Sports’ official website in blue, red, and white variations.

This is not the first time a Haitian delegation has faced similar scrutiny in international sporting events this year. During the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee required the removal of visual elements on Haiti’s opening ceremony uniforms that referenced national founding father Toussaint Louverture.

— Reporting by Ian Nicholas Quillen, Field Level Media/Reuters