Haiti unveils historic independence-themed kit for World Cup 2026

The Haitian national football team will return to the FIFA World Cup after a 52‑year absence wearing a new kit designed by Colombian firm Saeta. The three versions – blue, white and red – feature the flag raised during Haiti’s 1804 independence, honoring leaders such as Toussaint L'Ouverture and Jean‑Jacques Dessalines, while the back displays a palm tree from the national shield. The symbolic jersey aims to inspire a nation grappling with political instability and economic hardship; during qualifiers the team played its matches on neutral grounds.

Separately, the BBC has released a list of the ten most iconic World Cup shirts, highlighting designs from Cameroon (2002), England (1966 alternate), France (1982), the Netherlands (1974) and others, underscoring the cultural significance of tournament apparel throughout football history.