FIFA applies this exception out of respect for the religious elements associated with the national flags of the two Middle Eastern nations.

For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA introduced a new pre-match ritual. Players stand in a line as the national anthem plays, with large flags of both teams behind them. Typically, dozens of volunteers spread these flags across the pitch. However, in the matches between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay on 15/6 and Iraq and Norway on 16/6, the flags of Saudi Arabia and Iraq were not placed on the field.

Instead, dozens of volunteers held the flags of these two teams, keeping them about 1 meter above the ground. The flags of Uruguay and Norway, however, were spread on the pitch as usual.

Players stand for the flag ceremony and national anthem before the match between Iraq and Norway in Group I of the 2026 World Cup at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, near Boston, US, on 16/6/2026. Photo: AP

The reason lies in the unique design of the two national flags.

The national flag of Saudi Arabia features a green background with the Shahada written in white above it. The Shahada is the most important declaration of faith in Islam, stating: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger". Below this inscription is a white sword. Muslims consider this phrase sacred, requiring special reverence for the Saudi Arabian flag.

According to the country's long-standing regulations and traditions, the national flag must not be placed on the ground or allowed to touch water. Saudi Arabia is also among the few nations that do not lower their flag to half-mast during periods of national mourning, as lowering the Shahada is inconsistent with its religious significance.

The Saudi Arabian flag was also raised before their match against Uruguay in the opening round of Group H of the 2026 World Cup, at Miami Stadium, Florida in the US on 15/6/2026. Photo: X/Touchline

The reverence for the Saudi Arabian national flag has generated controversy in the past. Before the 2002 World Cup, FIFA faced backlash for planning to print the national flags of participating teams on the official match balls. Saudi Arabia objected, arguing that kicking a ball bearing the Shahada would disrespect the Islamic declaration of faith.

Iraq's case is somewhat different but also involves religious considerations. Its national flag features three horizontal stripes of red, white, and black, with the phrase "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) written in green Arabic script in the center.

While this phrase does not hold the same unique position as the Shahada on the Saudi Arabian flag, it remains a sacred expression in Islam and frequently appears in religious ceremonies. Therefore, FIFA opted for a similar approach to prevent the Iraqi flag from disrespect if it were to come into direct contact with the pitch.

Saudi Arabia began their campaign successfully, drawing Uruguay 1-1, while Iraq lost to Norway 1-4. In their next matches, Saudi Arabia will face Spain on 21/6, and Iraq will play France a day later.

Hoang An (via UOL)