Saudi Arabia flag kept off pitch for Spain World Cup opener

FIFA altered the pre‑match ceremony for the Spain‑Saudi Arabia World Cup game, suspending both national flags above the grass. The change accommodates a Saudi Islamic requirement that the flag, bearing the Shahada, must not touch the playing surface. Similar arrangements were used in the Saudi‑Uruguay match in Miami and the Iraq‑Norway game after initial resistance.

Spanish fans reflected on a history of World Cup disappointments, recalling defeats and draws against Austria, Honduras, Brazil, Uruguay, Korea, Nigeria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Costa Rica and others. The commentary expresses a mix of fatalism and hope ahead of the tournament’s next matches.