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World Cup nation’s kit banned just days before tournament starts

Published 10:30 11 Jun 2026 BST

Updated 12:07 11 Jun 2026 BST

Jacob Entwistle
World Cup nation’s kit banned just days before tournament starts

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The nation have been forced to make a change.

A World Cup nation have had to change their kit just days before the opening clash between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City.

The hosts get us underway, before South Korea face Czechia just hours later on Friday morning.

Then Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, before fellow co-hosts USA open their campaign versus Paraguay on Saturday June 13.

On Sunday June 14, Scotland then kick off their tournament against minnows Haiti, with the task of high temperatures in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Though, the Tartan Army's opposition have been dealt a huge blow just before the tournament starts, having to change their kits.

FIFA have deemed Haiti's kit to be political, meaning they must instantly change them.

The kit relates to the Battle of Vertières, which took place in 1803 and led to the independence of the nation.

FIFA regulations say that any "political, religious, or personal messages or slogans" are prohibited from being shown on equipment such as kits.

A statement has been issued on the banned kit

Kit manufacturer Saeta released a statement after the kit was banned:

"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," Saeta said in a statement.

"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."