World Cup 2026: Why Saudi Arabia and Iraq flags are not laid down at World Cup

The flags of Saudi Arabia and Iraq have not been laid on the ground during World Cup pre-match ceremonies because they include religious wording.

Giant flags of each nation are displayed on the pitch before every match. Most are laid on the ground as the teams enter the pitch and are then rolled up and taken away by volunteers.

There have been exceptions, though. Some flags have been carried above the ground and the common denominator is that these games have either featured Saudi Arabia or Iraq. Their flags are treated with stricter care and the reason lies in religious script.

Saudi Arabia’s flag carries 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”, a phrase Muslims use in daily prayer, at moments of celebration, and in the Islamic call to prayer.

It is shorter than the wording on Saudi Arabia’s flag, but it is the same principle – sacred religious wording rendered permanently into the national flag.