FIFA forces Haiti's World Cup team to make last-minute kit change after ‘breaking rule’

The 2026 World Cup kicked off yesterday (11 June) with Mexico winning 2-0 against South Africa.

The tournament is set to continue until next month (19 July) when we'll see the two remaining teams face off in what will no doubt be a nail-biting final.

Despite the World Cup only just starting, one team have already been forced to make a last-minute kit change after allegedly breaking FIFA rules.

Just days before their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday (14 June), Haiti have been forced to alter their kit design after a shirt featuring a war scene failed to comply with FIFA regulations.

FIFA has forced Haiti to make a last-minute kit change due to regulations (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Contributor / Getty Images)

The shirts worn during both pre-tournament friendlies included an illustration of the 1803 Battle of Vertieres, which secured Haiti's independence, alongside the national flag.

FIFA's equipment rules prohibit the use of any 'political, religious, or personal messages or slogans' on kits.

The football association has also repeatedly warned that players or teams may face sanctions from either FIFA or competition organisers if they do not follow such guidelines.

In a statement, Colombian manufacturer Saeta said the original design 'was a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti's future' and 'was not intended as a political statement'.

It added: "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."

The jersey featured blue to mirror the sea and red for the nation's 'strength and passion,' the sportswear maker added.

Saeta said the original kit design 'was not intended as a political statement' (Saeta)

Iran's World Cup team could also face disciplinary action if players continue to wear #168 badges throughout the tournament.

The badge in question references a hashtag which went viral on social media with the '168' number paying tribute to the 168 victims, predominantly children, of a deadly missile strike on an elementary school at the start of the war with the United States and Israel on February 28th.

This attack has been widely attributed to the US.

Neither the United States nor Israel has taken responsibility for the attack. The US military is currently investigating the incident and has said it does not deliberately target civilians.

The original design 'was a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti's future' (Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)

Under FIFA's rules, those who display unauthorised political messages can face several punishments depending on the severity of the breach.

These may include warnings, fines, orders to remove the message, or disciplinary action.

In more serious cases, players could face suspensions, while teams may be subject to sporting penalties.

How much does it cost to attend the World Cup?

Football fans wanting to watch the games in person better have deep pockets. Here’s what flights, accommodation, tickets and food and drink will cost England supporters:

Getting there

If you fancied catching England’s opening game against Croatia next Wednesday (17 June), a return flight from London to Dallas, Texas would set you back around £700, according to Skyscanner.

The second and third games are a little cheaper to get to - £400 if you want to watch the Three Lions go up against Ghana in Boston on 23 June, and £500 to see them play Panama in New York on 27 June.

But now you need somewhere to stay.

Hotel costs

NBC has crunched the numbers on hotels, looking at the average for the five cheapest hotels within 15 miles of the station as of late last month.

In Atlanta for the opening match, the average hotel room is £350 for two nights, and that’s on the cheap side.

A hotel to watch the second game in the group stages in Boston will cost £725, and the third in New York will be £485.

Now to get your ticket for the game…

Ticket prices

Tickets for the opening game against Croatia are still available and going from £430, via Seatpick.

England vs Ghana will set you back at least £330, and the match against Panama £250.

I bet all that number crunching has made you thirsty…

Food and drink prices at the World Cup

Unlike in the UK, football fans are allowed to drink in the stands in the US, Canada and Mexico - if they’re made of money, that is.

Prices at a warm-up match between England and New Zealand at the Raymond James stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday (6 June) might give an indication of what to expect in the World Cup proper, which is bad news for fans.

A large beer was advertised at $18.75 (£13.99), while just a bottle of water was priced at $7.50 (£5.60).

Meanwhile, according to Football Ground Guide, a basic meal and a beer will set you back $23.88 (£17.83) at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where England’s first game will take place.

For England’s second game at the Boston Stadium (also known as the Gillette Stadium), according to Football 2026 hot dogs are going from £6.30, while burgers will set you back £10.45.

Meanwhile, a basic meal and a beer at the MetLife stadium for England’s match against Panama will cost you £24.87.