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Iraq and Saudi Arabia flags will not be placed on ground at World Cup | CNA (SG)

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Flags of Saudi Arabia and Iraq will not be placed on the ground during pre-match ceremonies at the World Cup due to sacred Islamic text.
  • FIFA will hold the flags above the ground to respect religious inscriptions like the Shahada and "Allahu akbar."
  • This change accommodates religious sensitivities while allowing traditional pre-match pageantry to continue.

During the FIFA World Cup 2026, the flags of Saudi Arabia and Iraq will be held aloft during pre-match ceremonies, a departure from the practice of placing them on the ground. This adjustment is made to respect the sacred Islamic text inscribed on both flags. FIFA has introduced a new fan-centric presentation for the tournament and worked with participating teams to accommodate reasonable requests.

As part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony enhancements, FIFA introduced a new fan-centric presentation.

— FIFA spokespersonExplaining FIFA's approach to presentation elements during the tournament.

The flag of Saudi Arabia features the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." Similarly, the flag of Iraq displays the phrase "Allahu akbar," meaning "God is Greatest." Muslims consider it disrespectful to place these flags on the ground where people walk.

In delivering these ceremonies, FIFA worked closely with the participating teams to accommodate reasonable presentation requests.

— FIFA spokespersonHighlighting FIFA's collaboration with teams regarding ceremony details.

In previous World Cup matches held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, massive flags of competing teams were unfurled and placed on the pitch as squads lined up for national anthems. However, for matches involving Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the flags will now be held up, ensuring that the traditional pre-match pageantry can proceed without compromising religious sensitivities.

There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

— N/AThe Shahada, inscribed on the Saudi Arabian flag.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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