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The original Haiti World Cup jersey rejected by FIFA has been added to MUPANAH’s national collection, preserving the design and the story behind one of the most debated symbols of Haiti’s 2026 World Cup appearance.<\/p>\n
PORT-AU-PRINCE \u2014 The Haitian national football team jersey, banned by FIFA 2026 World Cup because it featured imagery from the Battle of Verti\u00e8res has found a permanent home at the Museum of the Haitian National Pantheon (MUPANAH), where officials say it will be preserved as part of the country\u2019s national heritage.<\/p>\n
The Haiti team white jersey with its original design was transferred to the museum on June 13 just hours before Les Grenadiers played Scotland in their first World Cup match in 52 years.\u00a0<\/p>\n
MUPANAH officials said preserving the jersey as part of the country\u2019s historical record ensures future generations will understand not only Haiti\u2019s return to the 2026 World Cup after more than five decades, but also the story behind one of the tournament\u2019s most discussed uniform designs.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy joining the MUPANAH collection, this jersey becomes a witness to contemporary Haitian history and to the pride that our Grenadiers inspire across the entire nation,\u201d said museum officials.<\/p>\n
The jersey pays tribute to one of Haiti\u2019s defining historical moments. On the front, it features a depiction of national heroes alongside Haiti\u2019s blue and red flag, symbolizing the triumph of the Indigenous Army at the Battle of Verti\u00e8res against the French forces. Above the soldier\u2019s image the date Nov. 18, 1803, written in Roman numerals, and the national motto, L\u2019Union fait la force<\/em>. Palm tree motifs remained on the back as a reference to Haiti\u2019s landscape.<\/p>\n FIFA determined that the historical artwork violated its equipment regulations prohibiting political, religious or personal messages on team uniforms. As a result, SAETA, Haiti\u2019s official kit supplier, removed nearly all references to the Battle of Verti\u00e8res before the World Cup began.<\/p>\n The MUPANAH receives the official jersey of the national football team. Credit: MUPANAH \u2018s facebook page<\/p>\n \u201cThe final design presented by SAETA was intended as a tribute to the men and women who contribute every day to Haiti\u2019s future and was not intended as a political statement,\u201d SAETA said in a statement<\/a> on June 9.\u00a0<\/p>\n After FIFA\u2019s decision, some supporters expressed frustration and denounced what they saw as an attempt to suppress Haiti\u2019s history. They questioned FIFA\u2019s claim of political neutrality, accusing FIFA President Gianni Infantino of hypocrisy.\u00a0<\/p>\n Jane Decat, like many observers, argued that other countries have displayed historical references.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOther countries, like Mexico<\/a>, have imagery on their jerseys that references political and historical messages, but FIFA has not asked them to remove those symbols,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Sociologist Wilkens Pierre said the Battle of Verti\u00e8res represents one of the most significant moments in Haiti\u2019s national memory, making its appearance on a global stage especially meaningful.<\/p>\n \u201cA national team jersey is never just a piece of clothing,\u201d Pierre said. \u201cIt carries a history, symbols and a collective identity.\u201d<\/p>\n Four days after FIFA ordered the changes, Haiti\u2019s Ministry of Culture and Communication declared the original jersey part of the country\u2019s national heritage and transferred it to MUPANAH.<\/p>\n MUPANAH officials said the jersey is being preserved not as sports memorabilia alone, but as an artifact linking Haiti\u2019s football history to one of the country\u2019s defining moments.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cBy joining the MUPANAH collection, this jersey becomes a witness to contemporary Haitian history and to the pride that our Grenadiers inspire across the entire nation.\u201d<\/p>\n Museum of the Haitian National\u00a0 Pantheon (MUPANAH)<\/p>\n \u201cThis handover highlights the historic significance of Haiti\u2019s return to this global competition,\u201d the museum said in a statement<\/a>, noting that the return comes \u201cfifty-two years after its first and only appearance in 1974, as well as the sacrifices, efforts, and determination of our players.\u201d<\/p>\n The decision drew mixed reactions online and in the comment section of MUPANAH. Some supporters praised the government for protecting a piece of Haiti\u2019s sporting and cultural history, while others questioned why only one jersey was preserved instead of the three colors.<\/p>\n \u201cIt could have been in all three jersey colors, with all the players\u2019 signatures on it, and preserved for future generations,\u201d said Facebook user Vincent Jean-Baptiste Diakman.<\/p>\n The Haitian Times contacted officials at the Ministry of Culture and Communication and MUPANAH several times seeking an explanation for why only the white jersey was selected for preservation. Despite repeated requests, neither institution responded before publication.<\/p>\n Others remained optimistic about Haiti\u2019s World Cup journey.<\/p>\n \u201cStart making space for the trophy as well, because it\u2019s coming our way,\u201d said another user, Paul Emile Pierre.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/p>\n \tFrom the field to the museum<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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