Haiti arrived at their first World Cup in 52 years wearing a shirt FIFA wouldn't allow. The original design, created by Colombia-based manufacturer Saeta in collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, depicted a war scene from Haiti's battle for independence. FIFA reviewed it, flagged it under equipment regulations on political speech, and requested changes. The shirt was redesigned before their Group C opener against Scotland in Boston on Saturday.
Saeta pushed back — gently — in a public statement, insisting the design "celebrated the pride, resilience, and spirit" of the Haitian people and was never intended as political. "During the review process, FIFA determined that certain visual elements could be interpreted differently under its equipment regulations and ultimately requested modifications," the manufacturer said. "While this interpretation differed from our intention, Saeta respected the process and implemented the final requirements."
What this kit actually meant
The context here matters enormously. Haiti haven't played a senior men's international at home since 2021. Gang violence following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise surged so badly that armed groups eventually took control of the Stade Sylvio Cator — the national stadium. Every World Cup qualifier was played at a neutral venue.
Back in Port-au-Prince, residents dealing with chronic electricity shortages and daily insecurity have been building makeshift viewing areas in the streets to watch Saturday's match together. That's the backdrop against which a shirt celebrating Haitian independence was designed. FIFA saw a political statement. Haiti saw their history.
Whether you think FIFA's call was right or heavy-handed, the timing is uncomfortable. This is only Haiti's second-ever men's World Cup appearance — their first since 1974 — and the kit controversy has overshadowed what should have been a clean build-up.
Scotland open as favourites, but Haiti aren't here by accident
On the pitch, Haiti face a Scotland side that will start Saturday as the logical pick to take three points from Group C. Qualifying through the CONCACAF region against nations with far greater resources makes Haiti's presence here legitimate, not sentimental — and that's worth remembering when the odds are set.
FIFA, the Haitian Football Federation, and the team's media officer had not responded to requests for comment at time of writing.
