THE USMNT are out to make a statement on and off the pitch at the Qatar World Cup.
The Stars and Stripes face a tough group and have to negotiate England, Wales and Iran to reach the knockout stages.
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It's the USA's first visit to the tournament since 2014, where they crashed out against Belgium in the round of 16.
You may have noticed that in Qatar the team's usual USMNT crest is decked out in rainbow colors - heres why..
Why is USMNT crest in rainbow colors at World Cup?
The new-look crest is a way for the national team to show solidarity with the LBGTQ+ movement.
In the build up the World Cup, Qatar's human rights record and attitude to homosexuality has been in the spotlight.
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It is illegal to be gay in Qatar, with World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman recently telling German TV that homosexuality was "damage in the mind".
And USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter revealed that the decision had been made to put rainbow colors on the crest as there was still "plenty of work to do" on LGBT rights in Qatar.
Coach Berhalter said: "When we are on the world stage and when we are in a venue like Qatar, it is important to bring awareness to these issues and that is what ‘Be the Change’ is about.
"It is not just Stateside that we want to bring attention to social issues, it is also abroad.
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"We recognize that Qatar has made strides and there has been a ton of progress but there’s some work still to do."
The usual crest features 'USA' in blue letters above seven vertical red stripes.
These have been changed to the colors of the rainbow, similar to the pride flag.
Why aren't USMNT wearing it on their jerseys during games?
The rainbow crest will be present at the USA's practice facilities and on select branding throughout the tournament.
The team are based in Doha during their stay in Qatar.
But the rainbow crest won't feature on the team's jerseys with they take to the pitch in Group B.
US Soccer spokesman Neil Bueth explained to Reuters: "Our rainbow badge has an important and consistent role in the identity of US Soccer.
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"As part of our approach for any match or event, we include rainbow branding to support and embrace the LGBTQ community, as well as to promote a spirit of inclusiveness and welcoming to all fans across the globe.
“As a result, locations that we will manage and operate at the Fifa World Cup, such as the team hotel, media areas and parties, will feature both traditional and rainbow US Soccer branding."
