Explained: Why Haiti Will Feature Poland's Flag On Their 2026 FIFA World Cup Kit

Haiti will begin their campaign against Scotland in their opening game of Group C of the ongoing FIFA World Cup and what might catch one’s attention is the presence of the Polish flag on the jerseys of the Haitians, which has a historical significance attached.

Haiti first appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 1974, where they were eliminated in the group stage after facing Argentina, Poland and Italy. More than five decades later, Haiti return to the global stage determined to make their mark, bringing both ambition and flair to the tournament.

A closer look at Haiti’s home and away kits reveals the colours of the Polish flag around the waist area. This isn’t a manufacturing error or design flaw; rather, it’s an intentional element incorporated into

the jersey design.

Haiti feature the Polish flag on their FIFA World Cup kit as a tribute to the Polish legionnaires who deserted Napoleon Bonaparte’s army and fought alongside Haitians during the Haitian Revolution.

Around 500 Polish soldiers joined the struggle for independence in 1802 and were later awarded honorary Haitian citizenship in recognition of their support.

The Polish soldiers refused orders to suppress the Haitian struggle for independence, according to reports, instead declaring that the true adversaries were the forces of oppression and choosing to join the revolutionaries.

After Haiti’s independence in 1804, founding leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines included a special provision in the 1805 Constitution, permitting the surviving Polish soldiers to own land and be integrated into the newly established country.

The flag forms part of a symbolic kit collection designed by Saeta, which incorporates references to the Battle of Vertières and Haitian folklore. The jerseys, produced in Haiti’s traditional blue, red and white colour schemes, celebrate the country’s return to the FIFA World Cup after a 52-year absence.

Haiti are coming off a 1-2 defeat to Peru in a friendly.