FIFA has mandated that the Haitian national football team urgently redesign its 2026 World Cup jerseys after the original design was found to contain a political symbol, violating FIFA's strict regulations on kit neutrality. The symbol in question, reportedly a map of Haiti with a specific historical reference, was deemed inappropriate for international competition.
The decision came after FIFA's Equipment Regulations Committee reviewed the kit submitted by the Haitian Football Federation. According to sources, the design included elements that could be interpreted as political statements, which are prohibited under Article 4 of FIFA's kit regulations. Haiti's federation was given a deadline to submit a revised design.
This is not the first time FIFA has intervened in national team kits. Similar actions were taken against Iran in 2022 and Cameroon in 2014 for political or religious symbols. Haiti's new kit is expected to be unveiled before the tournament begins in June 2026.
The Haitian federation has not publicly commented on the specifics of the symbol, but local media reports suggest it was a subtle reference to territorial claims. FIFA emphasized that the decision was made to ensure the tournament remains free of political messaging.
