FIFA announced on June 23 that at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the national flags of Saudi Arabia and Iraq will not be laid on the ground as usual during pre-match ceremonies due to the sacred Islamic inscriptions they bear [1, 2, 3].
Normally, large flags of competing teams are spread flat on each half of the pitch while players line up for the anthems [1, 2, 3]. However, because the Saudi flag contains the Shahada — the Islamic declaration of faith stating "There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah" — and the Iraqi flag bears the phrase "Allahu akbar" (God is Greatest), placing these flags on the ground is viewed as disrespectful in Muslim culture [1, 2, 3].
To honor this religious significance, when Saudi Arabia and Iraq play, their flags will be held above the ground during pre-match activities rather than being laid on the floor where people walk [1, 2, 3]. Muslims consider it offensive to place flags with sacred Islamic text in a position that could be stepped on [1, 2, 3].
A FIFA spokesperson said, "As part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony enhancements, FIFA introduced a new fan-centric presentation. In delivering these ceremonies, FIFA worked closely with the participating teams to accommodate reasonable presentation requests" [2].
The adjustment reflects FIFA's efforts to respect cultural and religious sensitivities at the tournament, which runs across multiple North American venues. The World Cup kickoff is scheduled for November 20, 2026.
