World Cup 2026: Iran, Egypt at odds with FIFA over 'Pride Match' symbols, festivities in Seattle
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Seattle has designated the Iran vs. Egypt World Cup group stage match on June 25 at Lumen Field as part of its Pride Weekend celebrations honoring LGBTQ+ culture and community contributions.
- Both Iran and Egypt have anti-gay laws, and their football federations have requested FIFA to prohibit LGBTQ+ symbols and activities during the match and surrounding events.
- FIFA has allowed rainbow flags at all World Cup matches, emphasizing the tournament as an inclusive event, but has clarified there will be no official "Pride Match" branding associated with the game.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated that Pride events in Seattle are separate from the match itself, aiming to avoid controversy while permitting external Pride celebrations in the city.
- It remains unclear if any formal Pride signage or activations will be present inside the stadium during the Iran-Egypt match.
