Olympics quiz: Can you avoid the wrong national anthems and country flags?

The Paris Olympics are about to start — so expect lots of pomp, ceremony and national pride. But with about 10,500 athletes representing about 200 territories competing in a total of 329 medal events, it can be hard to get everything right.

Can you pick the right flags and national anthems for the following scenarios — and get through the Olympics without sparking a diplomatic incident?

Try our quiz below.

Question 1 of 9

Which of the following national anthem lyrics should not be sung at official events?

Question 2 of 9

China has just won gold! Which flag do you choose for the medal ceremony?

Illustration of sheet music excerpts in the shape of an Olympic podium.

Question 3 of 9

All these songs have been mistakenly played at tournaments — but which one is considered illegal?

Question 4 of 9

If North Korea wins a medal, which flag should you use at the ceremony?

Question 5 of 9

Nigeria’s women’s soccer team is about to play — which is the correct song to broadcast?

Question 6 of 9

Quick — one of the flags is upside down. Can you spot which needs fixing?

Question 7 of 9

Colombia’s women’s soccer team is about to play! Pick the right flag:

Question 8 of 9

If you hear this song at a medal ceremony, who has won?

Question 9 of 9

Which of these places have had their anthems mixed up by sports officials?

About this story

Design and development by Lucy Naland. Additional development by Garland Potts. Design editing by Chloe Meister. Copyediting by Rebecca Branford. Illustrations by Lucy Naland/The Washington Post; Robert Cianflone/Getty Images; Bertrand Guay/AFP; iStock.