SEATTLE — FIFA said it will allow fans to bring rainbow flags inside Seattle Stadium for Friday’s World Cup match between Egypt and Iran, although it appears no additional activations will be permitted promoting the city’s annual PrideFest.
Both countries’ federations have stated objections to the so-called “Pride Match,” with the Iran Football Federation requesting that symbols or representations of the Pride movement be restricted during the match.
FIFA said that rainbow flags are permitted at all World Cup matches, but does not have any authority over community events such as Seattle PrideFest that take place outside of stadiums hosting games and official fan zones.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds,” FIFA said in a statement Thursday. “Fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome at matches and events.
“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.”
Seattle’s host committee has been preparing activations around the match since before December’s draw that placed the Egypt-Iran match in the city on June 26. However, FIFA has control over all programming inside the tournament’s venues.
Egypt and Iran both criminalize same-sex relations. After the December draw, the Egyptian Football Federation issued a statement saying a letter sent to FIFA categorically rejected “any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match.”
The Iran Football Federation referred to “this movement” in a statement to The Athletic on Wednesday night, without mentioning the LGBTQ+ communities by name.
“The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran takes this matter seriously and has clearly communicated its position to FIFA,” the statement read.
“Iran and Egypt are two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities, and the views expressed by both federations reflects the values and beliefs shared by the people of both countries.
“Our position is that no ceremonies, or promotional activities associated with this movement should be present inside the stadium or as part of the match environment. This position has been communicated to FIFA through the appropriate channels.
“We believe FIFA should take into account the views and concerns of the participating teams when considering matters related to the match environment and stadium presentation.
“FIFA has been informed of this shared position by both countries and is expected to take the necessary steps to ensure that no related ceremonies or promotional activities take place within the stadium or as part of the official match environment.”
Seattle’s FWC26 committee was scheduled to hold a Pride Match Day press briefing on Thursday.
–Derek Harper, Field Level Media
