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Iran and Egypt to Play Pride Match in Seattle at World Cup 2026
FIFA designated Friday night's Group G match between Iran and Egypt in Seattle as a Pride Match. Organizers will allow rainbow flags and host pregame LGBTQ events while both teams focus on the contest.
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FIFA designated Friday night's Group G match between Iran and Egypt in Seattle as a Pride Match. The organization said general statements of human rights, including flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity, are permitted under the FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct.
m. ET at the Seattle venue. FIFA stated that fans may bring rainbow flags to the game.
"The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds. Fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome at matches and events," FIFA said in its statement. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said several months ago in an interview with the Swiss outlet Die Weltwoche that there would be no official Pride Match at the World Cup.
"There will be a FIFA World Cup match in Seattle, and on the same day, events organised by external organizations will be taking place in the city," Infantino said.
The Iranian national team said this week that it had communicated its opposition to the pride plans to FIFA. "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," the team stated.
Egypt's coach said the team is focused on the game. "Well, as a head coach, as technical director, we are all focused on football," Hossam Hassan said.
City organizers have scheduled pregame activities and watch parties celebrating the LGBTQ community in connection with Seattle's role as a 2026 World Cup host. A trans business owner in Seattle said he expects a welcoming atmosphere. "It's a spirit of welcoming, and I think that's what this whole campaign has been about is that we are welcoming everyone to show how they pride," Nat Stratton Clark said.
"For me, pride is about joy. It's about celebration. It's about the understanding of the struggles past that got us here, but also about a commitment to advocacy and action to keep our freedoms moving forward," Gheisar said.
