New Delhi: The buzz and excitement around the 2026 FIFA World Cup is such that for the ardent football fan, the action begins not with the referee’s whistle, but a little before that: in a little “pre-match ceremony”.
FIFA confirmed days before the tournament began that a new ‘fan-centric’ ceremony had been planned. The goal, as per FIFA, is to “deepen the connection between players and fans while elevating a moment already rich with anticipation.”
The pre-match ceremony features the unfurling of giant flags of the two national teams going head to head, while their 26-member squads stand on different sides of the centre circle. The national anthems of the two countries play in the background. At the end of the anthems, both sets of players shake hands, while the flags are carefully wrapped, and it is time for sporting action to commence.
However, players and officials are still to fully get used to the new ways. As a result, many games in this World Cup have seen delayed starts: Brazil vs Morocco was delayed by four minutes and 27 seconds, and Haiti vs Scotland kicked off two minutes and 42 seconds late. In fact, even the opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa was delayed by six minutes.
Before the Uruguay-Saudi Arabia clash on Monday, however, fans noticed a break in the pattern: Saudi Arabia’s flag was not allowed to touch the ground. In fact, it was lifted off the ground.
There is a reason behind this. According to broadcaster Stadium Astro, out of the 48 countries competing in this year’s World Cup, Saudi Arabia is the only nation whose flag cannot touch the ground. And because having one flag off the ground and the other on it would’ve not made for a balanced picture, Uruguay’s flag was also lifted off the ground.
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Kingdom’s strict rules
In Saudi Arabia, strict restrictions govern the use of the Kingdom’s flag.
In guidelines issued ahead of National Day in Saudi Arabia in 2024, the Ministry of Interior had outlined that it is forbidden to display a flag that is “faded in colour or in poor condition.” Flags that are old or unfit for display must be destroyed by the responsible entity, ensuring they are never reused or disrespected, the ministry stated.
“It is prohibited to use the flag as a trademark or for commercial advertising purposes,” the statement added. The ministry also warned against placing the flag in any location that could damage it or cause dirt to accumulate on it, among other points.
In addition, the guidelines emphasised that it is strictly forbidden to lower the Kingdom’s national flag or the flag of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in a manner that would make them contact the ground, water, or any surface below.
Thus, while the national flags of other nations playing the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be spread across the floor, Saudi Arabia’s flag will be held above ground-level each time they get on the pitch.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)