US team tell service members they are also in Qatar defending human rights

DOHA : The United States will do their part to defend human rights at the Qatar World Cup saying on Wednesday they would draw inspiration from American service members who had come to watch them train.

After training on Tuesday with migrant workers who helped build the World Cup stadiums, the U.S. squad hosted local army and embassy personnel telling the crowd they were committed to the same values that they are defending.

"We have anchors that revolve around change and being a team that's outspoken against things that have come about in the United States," said U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner. "I think it's clear that we support human rights everywhere and I think again it is just another one of our anchors."

The U.S. men are showing their support for the LGBTQ community in Qatar, displaying a rainbow-themed team logo inside their training facility and media workroom.

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar.

The design features seven rainbow vertical stripes below "USA" in dark blue letters and is part of the "Be The Change" initiative the team adopted in 2020 with the goal of inspiring action on social justice issues.

Organisers of the World Cup say that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome, while also warning against public displays of affection.

Soccer players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 World Cup, especially LGBTQ individuals and women, whom rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate against.

"We’re very happy that you guys are here," said U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie, to a cheering audience. "We have anchors that we follow very closely - brave, diverse, relentless - and I’m 100 per cent sure that these are qualities you guys have and