FIFA have forced one nation competing at the 2026 World Cup finals to change their kit design hours before the tournament gets underway.

Mexico and South Africa kick-off the showpiece international tournament on Thursday (8pm BST). FIFA president Gianni Infantino caused another stir on Wednesday during his pre-tournament press conference, urging reporters to “chill” and “relax” after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States.

The 2026 World Cup – co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada – has attracted various negative headlines for matters off the field in the days leading up to the tournament.

As well as the ongoing issue over Artan, who received a hero’s welcome on his return to his home country, there’s also been backlash over the treatment of Iran’s national football team, the ‘scandalous’ cost of drinks at one stadium, and how US security reportedly dealt with the Senegal and Uzbekistan national teams following their arrivals.

Meanwhile, Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare airport after arriving with the squad.

2026 World Cup Nation’s Kit Banned

Troy Taormina via IMAGN

Now, just days before their opening World Cup match against Scotland this weekend (Sunday, 2am BST), Haiti have been instructed by world football’s governing body to change their kit design.

The Haiti shirt design, depicting a war scene, fails to comply with FIFA rules and has effectively been banned.

The jersey features an illustration of the Battle of Vertieres in 1803, which secured Haiti’s independence, with the country’s flag. The shirt was worn in both of Haiti’s World Cup warm-up friendlies against New Zealand and Peru.

Per BBC Sport, FIFA’s equipment regulations prohibit the use of any “political, religious, or personal messages or slogans” on kit.

Colombian manufacturer Saeta said in a statement that its 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:

Investigative Journalist Reacts to FIFA Decision

Benoit Tessier via Reuters

In response to the decision, French investigative journalist Romain Molina described FIFA’s stance as “double standards” on X (Twitter), adding: “On the occasion of the most politicised World Cup in history, where a Somali referee and an Iraqi photographer were turned away by one of the host countries for political reasons (in total contradiction to the signed contracts), FIFA imposed on Saeta, the kit supplier for the Haitian national team, to modify the jersey that had been made due to its political nature.

“At issue: a representation of the Battle of Vertieres (November 1803), which marked the culmination of the Haitian Revolution and the proclamation of independence a few weeks later (January 1, 1804) of the world’s first Black republic.

“A symbol of national pride, this battle was chosen by Saeta as a tribute to those men and women who enabled the emancipation of a country raising its flag toward the sky.

Haiti, competing in their first World Cup campaign in 52 years, face Brazil and Morocco in their other two Group C fixtures.

The Caribbean nation last qualified for the World Cup back in 1974. In what was their only previous appearance at the tournament, Haiti lost all three group matches, conceding 14 goals in the process.

Liverpool have already lost some key players from their dressing room this summer, and Alexis Mac Allister could be joining them through the exit door, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Just 12 months on from winning the Premier League title, Liverpool look set for a summer of wholesale changes, which has started with a switch in the dugout.

The Reds opted to appoint Andoni Iraola following the sacking of Arne Slot, impressed by how the Spaniard performed at Bournemouth, leading them to the Europa League this season.

The Merseyside outfit are already confirmed to be losing Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah this summer, with the former duo leaving Anfield on the expiry of contracts.

Make no doubt about it, those are three top players and big personalities in the dressing room, and Iraola will need to work out how to replace three players who were key to the Premier League title success in the 2024-25 campaign.

The trio may not be the last high-profile exits from Liverpool this summer, with Romano hinting that there is a chance that Mac Allister joins them.

Romano: Mac Allister Leaving Liverpool ‘Could be a Topic’

via Reuters

Liverpool had a number of players who underwhelmed this season compared to the 2024-25 season, and £55m man Mac Allister was undoubtedly one of them.

Dominik Szoboszlai often showed him up with his consistent performances, with the ‘world-class’ Argentine and Ryan Gravenberch often a shadow of the players that were so impressive in the title win.

Now, according to Romano, speaking in his latest YouTube video on Wednesday night, Mac Allister could leave Anfield if Liverpool and the player receive a proposal that is attractive, as clubs begin to circle.

The journalist said: “I wanted to mention another name, because there are some clubs starting to look at the situation of Alexis Mac Allister at Liverpool.

“Mac Allister’s situation could be interesting this summer. In case of good proposals for Liverpool, for the player, I will not exclude changes in midfield for Liverpool.

“This obviously doesn’t mean that McAllister is 100 percent leaving. This doesn’t mean that McAllister is out of the Liverpool project. I’m not saying this. I’m saying that in case of a good proposal for the club and for the player, the situation of McAllister could eventually develop during the summer transfer win.

“So, I’m telling you today, this could be a topic. It’s not guaranteed, it’s not close, it’s not advanced, but could be a topic.”

Liverpool Eyeing Adam Wharton Move

via Reuters

If Liverpool do sell Mac Allister this summer, then Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton might be the ideal replacement for the World Cup winner.

According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, the Reds really appreciate the England international, who didn’t make Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the North American World Cup.

Wharton isn’t the only player on Iraola’s shortlist currently, with Liverpool working on a deal to bring RB Leizpig wing sensation Yan Diomande to Anfield.

The Merseysiders are making progress on player side as they look to land their ideal Salah successor, but the Bundesliga outfit are demanding a huge fee to let him leave.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to strengthen all over the pitch after narrowly avoiding relegation to the Championship this season, with Fabrizio Romano issuing a teasing late-night transfer update on signing a new midfielder.

Even though the summer transfer window is yet to officially open, Tottenham have already announced the signings of two free-agent defenders in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, after they left Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively, following the expiry of their contracts.

Spurs are far from done there, and they are still targeting deals at both ends of the pitch in the coming weeks and months.

The north Londoners are in talks to add another centre-back to De Zerbi’s squad in Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, who played under the Italian at the Amex Stadium, which adds further fuel to the fire that captain Cristian Romero will be on his way out this summer.

Tottenham are also working on a deal to sign winger Savinho from Manchester City, 12 months on from previous interest in the talented Brazilian.

While defence and attack appears to be the priority right now ahead of the start of the World Cup on Thursday, Spurs chiefs are also looking at other areas of the pitch too.

Romano: Tottenham ‘Busy’ in Midfield Market

Romano has already confirmed in recent days that Joao Palhinha has given priority to joining Tottenham on a permanent basis following his season-long loan spell from Bayern Munich.

The Portugal international has a strong relationship with De Zerbi, who confirmed at the end of the season that he wants to sign the 30-year-old full-time for next season after his crucial impact in the closing stages of the campaign.

While a move for Palhinha is in the works, Romano has hinted that there could be even more to come in a Wednesday late-night update on his YouTube channel.

The Italian journalist said: “There are things to clarify on midfielders. I think it’s been four or five months, I’ve been telling you here on my YouTube channel it’s going to be a summer of midfielders.

“Man United will be busy, Man City will be busy, Arsenal will be busy. There are more clubs, also Tottenham will be busy with midfielders. Don’t forget Tottenham in these conversations. So, for sure, there is going to be movement in England around midfielders.”

Tottenham Eyeing New Goalkeeper

via Reuters

As well as the midfield, attack and defence, Tottenham could also add a new goalkeeper to their squad this summer.

Guglielmo Vicario had looked set for a move back to Serie A this summer with Inter Milan, but the champions have instead decided to promote in-house instead of investing in a new stopper.

Juventus are said to be keen on the 29-year-old, although they are also targeting Emiliano Martinez at Aston Villa too.

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs are primed to make a move for Manchester City number two James Trafford should Vicario complete a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is another potential target, with De Zerbi also working with him during the duo’s time together with the Seagulls.