FIFA permits rainbow flags at Egypt vs Iran World Cup 2026 conflict regardless of legal guidelines
The Egypt vs Iran World Cup 2026 match in Seattle has been dubbed the “Pride Match” by the local organising committee, but both countries have objected to the LGBTQ+ theme
(Image: JONATHAN NACKSTRAND, AFP via Getty Images)
FIFA has confirmed that supporters will be permitted to bring rainbow flags to the match between Egypt and Iran, despite objections from both nations.
The game in Seattle – due to kick off at 4am UK time on Saturday, June 27 – has been dubbed the “Pride Match” by the city’s local organising committee.
The Group G fixture was designated as the “Pride Match” prior to the draw in December, which paired the two Muslim-majority countries where homosexuality is a criminal offence.
Both Egypt and Iran have voiced their opposition.
Egypt’s Football Association stated such events conflict with its cultural and religious values, while the Iranian Football Federation has reportedly said that no “promotional activities” associated with the movement should be allowed within the stadium, reports the Express.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Asexual Association (ILGA) monitors laws relating to homosexuality globally.
It says the death penalty is the legally prescribed punishment for same-sex sexual acts in Iran, the BBC reported in 2023.
In a statement released on Thursday, FIFA said: “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.
“General statements of human rights, including rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity, are permitted under the FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct and may be displayed inside stadiums.”
However, the football governing body has stressed that the Pride events are organised by Seattle’s local World Cup committee, not FIFA.
“I must clarify 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 organised by external organisations will be taking place in the city.
“But that has nothing to do with the match itself.”
FIFA’s decision to permit rainbow flags inside the stadium comes four years after it threatened yellow cards for captains wearing the “OneLove” armband at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, citing its rules against political slogans.
