US World Cup Team Paints Logo In Rainbow Colors For LGBTQ+ Support In Qatar
Image via US Men’s National Soccer Team
The US men’s World Cup team is waving its flag of support for LGBTQ+ individuals and splashing its badge in rainbow colors.
The seven hues take the place of the red stripes usually seen on the USA emblem. The squad has, on numerous occasions, displayed the vibrant palette on its branding as part of its Be The Change campaign to incite action on social justice issues.
However, the move is especially symbolic this time around, since same-sex relations are criminalized in Qatar, where the games will be held.
The USMNT is incorporating the rainbow flag in their logo at the team's practice facilities in Qatar for the World Cup.
— ð“ð¡ðž ð’ð©ð¨ð«ðð¢ð§ð ððžð°ð¬ (@sportingnews) November 14, 2022
The design is to show support for the LGBTQ+ community as same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar. pic.twitter.com/qESEU2nfFv
It’s worth noting that the original crest will remain on soccer kits. As for the rainbow interpretation, it will make a home in the US soccer team’s training base and media workroom as a commitment to instilling inclusiveness in US Soccer’s identity.
Venues used and managed by US Soccer at the World Cup, like the team hotel, parties, and media locations, will showcase “both traditional and rainbow US Soccer branding,” a spokesperson confirms in a statement shared with the Independent.
Gregg Berhaulter, head coach of the soccer team, emphasizes that the fight for social change isn’t “just stateside… it’s also abroad.”
“Be the Change basically represents everyone’s individual opportunity to make change and to have change start with them. So I think it’s appropriate that we have that here, as well,” Berhaulter concludes.
I'm so proud of the United States for using a Pride rainbow USA logo in Qatar at the #WorldCup.
— Cyd Zeigler (@CydZeigler) November 14, 2022
American sports have lead the world on #LGBT inclusion, and that continues here.
Proud to be an American. ðŸ³ï¸ðŸŒˆðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸https://t.co/xWse3tztco
🇺🇸 USA Badge Change 🌈
— They Think Kits All Over (@TheyThinkKits) November 14, 2022
The US team have made a huge statement at the World Cup in Qatar by redesigning their crest to incorporate the rainbow flag, in a bid to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Will we see this on the kit???!! pic.twitter.com/1lmziArFDx
[via The Independent and Reuters, images via various sources]
