FIFA will Keep Saudi and Iraqi Flags Off the Pitch

FIFA has confirmed that the national flags of Saudi Arabia and Iraq will not be placed on the ground during pre-match ceremonies at the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Traditionally massive replicas of competing nations' flags are unfurled and laid flat on the pitch as players line up for their national anthems. However to respect Islamic sensitivities Saudi and Iraqi flags will instead be held aloft above the grass.

This protocol change is due to the sacred religious text inscribed on both flags. The Saudi Arabian flag bears the Shahada means the Islamic declaration of faith ("There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"). Similarly the Iraqi flag features the Takbir, "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Greatest"). For Muslims worldwide placing these sacred words on the ground where people walk is considered highly disrespectful.

A FIFA spokesperson stated that the organization is working closely with participating teams to accommodate "reasonable presentation requests" alongside their new opening ceremony designs.

This thoughtful adjustment allows the traditional World Cup pageantry to continue uninterrupted while strictly upholding the religious dignity of the participating Muslim nations.