FIFA changed the pre-match ceremony for Saudi Arabia and Uruguay because of their strict rules.
FIFA made a small change to the pre-match ceremony for the game between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay because of special rules around the flags.
The 2026 World Cup in North America, which is the first with 48 teams, has introduced several new things—like hydration breaks, new rules for referees, and a fresh way to start matches.
Usually, before each game, the whole team gathers at the center circle for the national anthems, with big flags of both countries laid out on the field. But in the Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay match, the flags were held up by people instead of lying on the grass.
Many fans noticed this change on social media, and it’s because Saudi Arabia’s flag has the Shahada, an important Islamic declaration of faith. For respect, their flag must never touch the ground during ceremonies. To be fair, Uruguay’s flag was also held up the same way.
There are other special rules about Saudi Arabia’s flag too—it’s never flown at half-mast, can’t be shown upside down, and its use in commercials or on footballs is usually restricted.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with goals from Abdulelah Al-Amri for Saudi Arabia and Maximiliano Araujo for Uruguay. But the end was a bit controversial because the referee ended the game early during extra time.
Also, Saudi Arabia accidentally broke a new FIFA rule during the match. When their goalkeeper got injured and was being treated around the 60th minute, the Saudi coach gave tactical instructions to a player. FIFA’s new rule stops teams from using these “tactical timeouts” when goalkeepers go down, to keep the game fair and moving.
Pierluigi Collina, head of FIFA’s Referees Committee, had warned teams before the tournament that referees would be strict about this rule. But even though the rule is clear, referees can’t give penalties for breaking it—they just won’t allow players to leave the field during these moments.