FIFA changed new ceremony before matches, cause of Saudi Arabia and its flag

The 2026 World Cup in North America, the first with 48 participating nationals, has brought a series of innovations, including hydration holidays, new rules implemented by referees and a completely new form of ceremony before the match.

As seen at each tournament meeting, all players gather around the central circle during national anthems, while the giant flags of the two countries unfold into the field.

However, an apparent change was seen in the 1-1 draw between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Although the anthem procedure was the same, flags were kept raised by their holders and did not settle on the grass during the ceremony.

Many social media users noticed this change, but there is a clear reason why the ceremony took place differently.

Saudi Arabia's green flag contains the Shahada éda Islam's declaration of confidence.

Her text says: "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”, and he is considered holy.

For this reason, the flag is usually treated with special care and respect, causing it to be held up throughout the ceremony and not to touch the ground.

To maintain equality between two teams, Uruguay's flag was treated in the same way.

For the same reason, the Saudi flag never sits in half a crowd during mourning periods and cannot appear upside down.

Also, its commercial use is very limited and often has objections to the use of the flag on football balls.

Saudi Arabia and Uruguay equalled 1-1 at “Hard Rock Stadium” of Miami, with the goal of Abdulelah Al-Amri, who was equated by Maximiliano Araujo in the 80th minute.

However, the end of the match was controversial, as the referee concluded the meeting prematurely during the extra time.

The game went on beyond the agreed minutes, with Uruguay under attack, but when Saudi Arabia launched a counterattack and the eighth minute of the extension was approaching, the referee gave the final blow.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia seems to have violated a new FIFA rule during the match.

About the 60th minute, goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais lay in the field and received medical treatment.

While the referee was controlling his situation, Saudi Arabia coach Yorgos Donis gave tactical instructions to one of his players.

In this move, Saudi Arabia violated a new rule banning “tactical ceasefires” when the goalkeeper stops because of an injury, a phenomenon that had become a major problem at Premier League.

FIFA Arbits Committee Chairman Pierre Collinin had warned before the tournament: “in seminars with 48 teams, we have made it clear that referees will be active. They will not allow both teams to gather near the bench when the goalkeeper is lying in the field due to an injury”.

However, while the rule prohibits tactical conversation in such situations, referees do not have the authority to provide any disciplinary measures for such violations during the match.