World Cup 2026: FIFA allows rainbow flags to be worn in the match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle
FIFA has announced that fans will be allowed to bring rainbow flags to the World Cup match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle, coinciding with the city's Pride weekend, despite protests from both countries.
Fans will be allowed to carry rainbow flags when Egypt plays Iran in what has been designated a "Pride Match" at the World Cup in Seattle, FIFA said on Thursday. This created an awkward collision between local celebrations and two countries where homosexuality is illegal. The group stage match took place on Seattle's Pride weekend, a scheduling coincidence that only emerged after December's draw pitted the two Muslim-majority nations against each other. Egypt and Iran protested after the draw, with the Egyptian Football Association saying such events conflicted with their cultural and religious values. Both countries impose harsh penalties on LGBTQ people. "World Cup 2026 is an inclusive event, welcoming everyone from all backgrounds. Fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome at matches and events," FIFA said in a statement. FIFA also said that banners will be allowed as long as they are used "in a manner consistent with the regulations", which limit the size of flags or banners and ban those considered "political". FIFA has distanced itself from the Pride celebrations, insisting that the ceremonies are organized by Seattle's local World Cup committee and not the global soccer body. "I have to make it clear that there will be no 'Pride Match' at the World Cup," FIFA President Gianni Infantino told Swiss magazine Die Weltwoche in January. "There will be a FIFA World Cup match in Seattle and, on the same day, events organized by outside organizations will take place in the city. But that has nothing to do with the match per se." At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA threatened yellow cards for team captains wearing "OneLove" armbands, citing rules against political slogans. Seattle organizers remain undeterred, seeing the spotlight as a platform to promote acceptance. "The Pride celebration... has been happening this weekend for more than 50 years," Hedda McLendon, from Seattle's local World Cup organizing committee, told Reuters. "It's going to happen this weekend, it's going to continue long after the World Cup."
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