Haiti forced into late kit change as World Cup opener nears

Kit controversy on eve of World Cup

FIFA has ordered Haiti to change their World Cup shirt design, ruling that certain visual elements could be interpreted as a political message (1) (3). The kit, designed by Saeta, was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute daily to Haiti's future, with the manufacturer stating the design was never conceived as political. FIFA's review panel flagged the imagery under its regulations and demanded modifications before the tournament kicks off (3).

The original design incorporates the Polish flag as a nod to the Battle of Vertières, a historic link between the two nations dating back to Haiti's war of independence (6).

Referee team set for Scotland opener

Alejandro Hernández will make his World Cup debut as fourth official for Haiti's opening match against Scotland on Sunday in Boston (2). The Spanish official's appointment confirms one piece of the puzzle for a game that is now just four days away.

Scotland fans land, Clarke feeling 'different'

Scotland supporters have begun arriving in Boston ahead of Sunday's Group C opener at the World Cup (5). On the other side, Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says he feels like a new man heading into the tournament, describing himself as 'Different' after a squad overhaul – a Scotland side that sees Haiti as a team they can beat to start their campaign strongly (7).

Group C: the mountain ahead

Haiti's historic qualification placed them in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland (4). No Haitian squad updates, form lines, or tactical signals have surfaced in the buildup. The silence from the camp is striking – opponents are making noise, fans are arriving, and Haiti remain the unknown quantity nobody can quite size up.

Fan reactions

Haiti fans online are leaning into the underdog role with quiet confidence. The Group C preview thread on Reddit acknowledges Haiti as the clear outsider alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland, but supporters are focused on the kit controversy as a rallying point – seeing FIFA's intervention as unwanted attention that only sharpens their pride in the shirt's historical symbolism. Read the full group preview