Fifa has confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted inside Seattle Stadium during the World Cup match between Egypt and Iran, a game designated as the 'Pride Match' by local organizers. The decision comes despite complaints from both Iran and Egypt, who requested the cancellation of LGBTQ+ festivities surrounding the event.
Fifa's Stance on Rainbow Flags
Fifa president Gianni Infantino emphasized that the Pride-related events are organized by Seattle's committee to coincide with annual Pride weekend and are separate from the match itself. A Fifa spokesperson stated: 'General statements of human rights, including rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity, are permitted under the Fifa World Cup 2026 stadium code of conduct and may be displayed inside stadiums provided they are used in a manner consistent with the code.'
Iran and Egypt's Objections
Both Iran and Egypt lodged formal complaints to Fifa about the LGBTQ+ events. In Iran, LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal, and Egypt has a history of prosecuting queer and trans individuals. Iran's pre-match press conference began with a request that all questions focus on the team and tactics. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei said: 'All our thoughts are focused on football, the beautiful game, our people, our success. We are going to be positive, we are not going to think about any other issues.'
Egypt's head coach, Hossam Hassan, echoed this sentiment: 'We are all focused on football, it is all we think about and Fifa is of course taking care of the organisational side. We are concerned with football on the pitch.'
Iran's Previous Complaints
Iran had previously complained about feeling like the 'most oppressed' team at the tournament. Ghalenoei noted that the team has been 'deprived' of rights regarding arrival and departure schedules, suggesting Infantino was unaware of restrictions imposed by the US administration. 'Mr Infantino and Fifa did do their utmost to listen to the problems but we weren’t encouraged,' Ghalenoei said. 'They didn’t give us any bonuses or anything.'
Infantino's Clarification
Infantino distanced Fifa from the Pride celebrations in a statement: 'First of all, I must clarify that there will be no 'Pride Match' at the World Cup. There will be a Fifa World Cup match in Seattle, and on the same day, events organised by external organisations will be taking place in the city. But that has nothing to do with the match itself.'
