Pride flags permitted at Egypt vs Iran World Cup game despite official protests

WorldFootball
26 Jun 2026 • 7:30 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Pride flags permitted at Egypt vs Iran World Cup game despite official protests

  • FIFA has confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted at the World Cup match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle, despite objections from both nations, where homosexuality is criminalized.
  • The Group G match coincided with Seattle's annual Pride weekend and was designated a "Pride Match" by the local organizing committee, prompting protests from the Egyptian and Iranian football federations.
  • FIFA stated that the World Cup is an inclusive event and that "general statements of human rights, including rainbow flags," are allowed inside stadiums.
  • Seattle organizers and local LGBTQ+ advocates emphasize that the event showcases the city's long-standing commitment to inclusion and that Pride celebrations are a decades-old tradition.
  • Both the Egyptian and Iranian teams have focused solely on the football aspect of the match, with coaches and officials declining to answer questions related to the Pride celebrations.

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