USA adorns World Cup training center with rainbow-colored shield

The United States national team will showcase their support for the LGBTQIA+ community at the World Cup through a rainbow-themed team logo in their training center and press room.

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar, which will host the tournament from Sunday (20).

The design features seven rainbow-colored vertical stripes below “USA” in dark blue lettering and is part of the “Be The Change” initiative the team adopted in 2020 with the goal of to inspire action on social justice issues.

“When we’re on the world stage and when we’re in a place like Qatar, it’s important to raise awareness of these issues, and that’s what Be the Change is all about,” national team coach Gregg Berhalter said on Monday.

“It’s not just in the United States that we want to bring attention to social issues, but also abroad. We recognize that Qatar has made progress and there has been a lot of progress, but there is still work to be done.”

Organizers of the World Cup, which is the first to be held in a Middle Eastern country, say everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or origin, is welcome, but has warned against public displays of affection.

Football players have raised concerns about the rights of fans who have traveled or will travel to the event, which runs through December 18, especially LGBTQIA+ individuals and women, whom human rights groups say Qatar’s laws discriminate.

“We are a group that believes in inclusion and we will continue to project that message going forward. We talk and continue to have discussions as we move into the games. We lean on the ‘be the change’ message,” said goalkeeper Sean Johnson. . “That’s something we’re proud of.”

The rainbow crest, which will not be worn by the team during World Cup games, has been routinely displayed by American football, regardless of the occasion, as a way of promoting a spirit of inclusivity.

“Our rainbow shield plays an important and consistent role in America’s soccer identity,” said Neil Buethe, spokesman for US Soccer, the nation’s soccer federation.

“As part of our approach to any match or event, we’ve included the rainbow brand to support and embrace the LGBTQ community, as well as to foster a spirit of inclusivity and welcome to all fans around the world.”

Buethe concluded: “As a result, the venues we will manage and operate at the World Cup, such as the team hotel, media and party areas, will feature [escudo com] the traditional brand and the American football brand”.

At the World Cup in Qatar, the United States are in Group B and will face England, Iran and Wales.