Why Saudi Arabia and Iraq flags are not laid on ground at World Cup

During World Cup pre-match ceremonies, the flags of Saudi Arabia and Iraq are not laid on the ground like those of other nations. Instead, they are carried above the pitch by volunteers. The reason lies in the religious script that adorns both flags.

Religious wording on the flags

Saudi Arabia's flag features the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger," written above a sword. Iraq's flag carries the Takbir, the Arabic phrase "Allahu Akbar," meaning "God is greatest." This phrase is used by Muslims in daily prayer, at moments of celebration, and in the Islamic call to prayer.

Why the flags are treated differently

Because both flags contain words used in Islamic prayer and worship, treating them like ordinary cloth—laying them on the ground, sitting on them, using them as towels, or balling them up—is considered disrespectful in Islamic tradition. This is not about objecting to a flag being burned or trampled as a national insult; it is specifically about protecting the sanctity of the words themselves. Letting religious text touch the ground or get dirty is seen as an insult to the faith, not just the country.

Additional protocols for Saudi Arabia

For Saudi Arabia, the protocol goes further. The Saudi flag must never touch the ground or water, and it is not lowered to half-mast. Doing so would be seen as lowering the Shahada itself. This reflects the dual meaning of these flags—national and religious—and the care with which they are treated by fans, players, and broadcasters.