Key Takeaways
- Saudi Arabia’s flag was not placed on the grass during FIFA’s pre-match ceremony; flag bearers held it throughout
- The adjustment reflects Saudi protocol protecting the flag, which carries the Islamic declaration of faith
- Uruguay’s flag was also kept raised to preserve visual symmetry during the ceremony
Saudi Arabia’s national flag bears the Shahada — the Islamic declaration of faith, the words La ilaha illallah, Muhammadun Rasulullah. Saudi protocol treats the flag as a sacred symbol and prohibits it from touching the ground or being displayed in any manner that could be construed as disrespectful.
In line with those rules, the flag was carried by flag bearers and held aloft for the duration of the ceremony rather than laid flat on the pitch. Uruguay’s flag remained raised as well, keeping the presentation symmetrical.
FIFA’s adjustment allowed the ceremony’s overall structure to remain intact while respecting the religious significance attached to the Saudi flag.
The pre-match presentation was introduced by FIFA for this edition of the World Cup and features full-squad anthems, oversized national flags, and post-anthem handshakes between players.
The format has extended pre-kickoff timelines at some matches. The Saudi flag adjustment is the first visible modification FIFA has made to the ceremony for a specific team.
Egypt, Iraq, and Iran are among the other teams that did not have their flags placed on the ground.
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