FIFA has been doing the same thing at every match for decades. Saudi Arabia arrived and changed it with a single condition…
Something was different in the anthem ceremony for the match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay on June 16 in Miami. While in other 2026 World Cup matches the flags are unfurled directly on the grass, the Saudi one was kept raised throughout the entire display. It was neither a mistake nor an aesthetic whim.
Saudi Arabia’s flag contains the Shahada — the Islamic declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger”. In the Muslim tradition, allowing that sacred text to touch the ground or an impure place is considered a serious offense.
Saudi Arabia made this known to FIFA, and the organization, which has historically placed flags directly on the field, changed its protocol to respect the requirement.
The gesture was widely celebrated by Saudi users on social media. And it was not only for that match: FIFA confirmed that it will apply the same treatment in all of Saudi Arabia’s remaining matches in the tournament, including its clash against Spain.
A protocol that had remained unchanged for decades gave way to a religious conviction — and did so on the most watched stage in the world.
