Haiti forced to change World Cup jersey before Scotland opener

Jersey controversy clouds World Cup buildup

FIFA has forced Haiti to alter their World Cup kit just days before the tournament opener. The governing body flagged an element of the shirt design as containing a political message and ordered it removed. (1) (3) (4)

The rejected design featured battle imagery that was mistaken for the Polish flag, triggering FIFA's intervention. (8) (10) It's a messy distraction – your team now has to scramble on kit logistics while preparing for the biggest matches in the nation's history. (5) (6)

Scotland opener set for Sunday

Haiti begins Group C play against Scotland on Sunday. Scotland's Aaron Hickey called the occasion "everything" and said his dream is simply being at the tournament. (7)

Alejandro Hernández will debut as fourth official for the match. (9) Morocco also awaits in the group, but the Scotland match is the immediate focus. (2)

Fan reactions

Supporters online are frustrated by the last-minute kit drama, with many questioning why battle imagery honoring Haiti's history was flagged as political. The redesign reveal has become a talking point rather than a source of pride – exactly the kind of unnecessary noise no fan wants before a World Cup opener. Read the full thread.