Pride Flags fly in Seattle during the Iran vs Egypt game
Pride flags were out in Seattle during the World Cup match between Iran and Egypt.
Before the match, several local organizers planned to hold “Pride Match” celebrations, angering the Iranian team, who lodged a formal complaint with FIFA.
“Iran and Egypt are two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities and the views of both federations reflect the values and beliefs shared by the people of both countries,” said a spokesman for the Iranian national team. “Our position is that no ceremonies or promotional activities associated with the (LGBT) movement should be present in the stadium or as part of the match environment. This position has been communicated to FIFA through the appropriate channels.”
“We believe that FIFA should take into account the views and concerns of the participating teams when considering issues related to the match environment and stadium presentation,”
FIFA rejected Iran’s complaints and allowed Pride flags inside Lumen Field during the match.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds. Fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome at matches and events,” Fifa said in a statement.
“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.”
On the day of the game, several large Pride flags were seen lying on Lumen Field.
Anthony from Seattle flies one #Pride Flag in front @fifaworldcup match between Iran and Egypt at Seattle Stadium.
Seattle local organizers have designated this game as a “Pride Match”, but FIFA does not recognize the designation.#fifaworldcup #seattlestadium #fox13seattle pic.twitter.com/TBTjXr8EG0
— Lauren Helmbrecht (@lmhelmbrecht) 27 June 2026
NEWS: Iranian and Egyptian football federations wanted FIFA to remove any “Pride Match” display from Friday’s World Cup clash in Seattle.
But rainbow flags are all over the stadium, angering these Muslim-majority nations, which have criminalized homosexuality. @choeshow|@TPUSA pic.twitter.com/tPbCbIdaGu— FRONTLINES TPUSA (@FrontlinesTPUSA) 27 June 2026
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