Iran Coach Declines to Discuss Pride Match Designation Before Egypt Game

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei said he would not address issues tied to the Pride Match designation before his team's match against Egypt. "We are here to play football, not for other things," Ghalenoei stated. "As for things that are forbidden in our religion and do not exist, we do not want to talk about them.

Local organizers designated the fixture a Pride Match because it falls on the Friday before Pride Weekend. Rainbow flags will fly inside the Seattle stadium, and drag performances plus Pride watch parties are scheduled across the city. The match starts at 04:00 BST on Saturday.

Hedda McLendon of Seattle's World Cup organizing committee said the timing was not intended to provoke. "We're thrilled," McLendon stated. " Jess Fishlock, who has played for Seattle Reign FC for 13 years, said the event centered on the host city.

"The match is about Seattle, not Egypt or Iran," Fishlock stated. FIFA confirmed rainbow flags are permitted under stadium rules but emphasized this remains a standard World Cup match rather than an official FIFA Pride event. Egypt enters the match after defeating New Zealand.

At a Seattle fan zone, Egyptian supporters including Makarius Demian said the Pride designation was irrelevant to the result on the pitch. Ayman Almasri and Amani Abouammo are operating a Koshari pop-up restaurant at the same venue.