U.S Men’s Soccer Team Sends Message of Inclusion with Rainbow-Themed Logo at World Cup

U.S. Men’s National Team Crest. Photo: Reuters

With just days to go before the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha, Qatar on Sunday, Nov. 20,  the U.S. Men’s National Team showed its solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community by using a rainbow-colored version of its crest at the training facility earlier this week.

The crest which fans are used to seeing with blue lettering and red stripes had seven different colored stripes instead.

U.S. men’s soccer coach Gregg Berhalter said that displaying the rainbow-colored crest is part of the team’s Be the Change mission, which players created in response to social injustices in the U.S. and around the world.

They decided to promote the message that everyone has the ability, opportunity and responsibility to make a difference in their community and in their own way.”

This visual symbol of support for the gay community made headlines since homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine. Muslims under sharia law could face the death penalty, although there are no known cases where the death penalty has been enforced.

The team’s use of the rainbow-themed logo also comes as some LGBTQ+ soccer fans have raised safety concerns about traveling to Qatar for the World Cup where public displays of affection are frowned upon. Other LGBTQ+ activists are concerned that not enough is being done to protect the rights of gay citizens in Qatar and keep them safe from harassment and arrest.

Dua Lipa. Photo: Wikipedia

Calls for action have also spilled into the entertainment industry where some celebrities are using their platform to call for human rights changes in Qatar. British singer/songwriter Dua Lipa, who has a large LGBTQ+ fan base, took to her Instagram stories to shut down rumors that she would be performing at the World Cup opening ceremony.

“I will not be performing and nor have I ever been involved in any negotiation to perform,” she said. “I will be cheering England on from afar and I look forward to visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made when it won the right to host the World Cup.”

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Rock icon Rod Stewart shared that he was offered over $1 million to play at the World Cup, but he turned it down, saying “It's not right to go."

Rod Stewart.
Photo: Samir Hussein/Wireimage

In response to international concerns, the Qatar government said in a statement to the Associated Press that “Qatar believes strongly in the power of sport to bring people together and build bridges of cultural understanding. The World Cup can help change misconceptions, and we want fans to travel home with a better understanding of our country, culture and region.”

Matches at the 2022 World Cup start Nov. 20 and run through the Dec. 18. A total of 64 games will be played to decide the winner.