Iran asks FIFA to stop the rainbow symbol in the World Cup ‘Pride Match’ with Egypt.
Before their important World Cup group game against Egypt—called the ‘Pride Match’ because of Pride Month events planned by the LGBTQ+ community in Seattle—the Iranian Football Federation has asked FIFA to ban rainbow symbols at the match.
To celebrate Pride Month, the Seattle FWC26 committee chose the June 26 game at Lumen Field to hold special Pride activities. They even created a website just for the Pride Match Day plans.
But since the World Cup schedule randomly set this key game between Iran and Egypt on June 26, the Iranian Federation is now asking for these Pride celebrations to be stopped.
The Iranian team has already had some issues with FIFA, including plans to file a complaint about travel restrictions during the World Cup. They must leave the U.S. right after their games, which comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries because of conflicts in the Middle East.
Former President Donald Trump once said Iran should be banned from the World Cup but changed his mind after meeting FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Iran has played two matches so far, earning tough draws against Belgium and New Zealand. As they prepare to challenge Group G leaders Egypt, the Iranian Federation is unhappy about the upcoming Pride events in Seattle.
According to The Athletic, the Iranian Federation wrote to FIFA asking that all rainbow symbols be banned from the stadium, saying the religious values of both Muslim countries should be respected.
A spokesperson for Iran’s team said, “We take this matter seriously and have told FIFA our position clearly. Iran and Egypt share strong cultural and religious beliefs, and both federations want no ceremonies or promotions related to this movement inside the stadium or around the match.”
They added, “We hope FIFA considers the views and concerns of the teams when deciding on match-day events. FIFA has been informed and should make sure no related activities happen in the stadium.”
The Athletic also reports that FIFA is allowing rainbow flags and symbols at all World Cup 2026 matches. However, FIFA President Infantino declined to officially call the Seattle game a ‘Pride Match,’ saying in an interview, “There will be a World Cup match in Seattle and separate Pride events in the city on the same day, but they are not connected.”
FIFA hasn’t responded yet to Iran’s request but has said before that the World Cup is an “inclusive event.”