The Iranian and Egyptian soccer federations have formally requested that FIFA remove any "Pride Match" displays and LGBTQ+ affiliations from an upcoming World Cup match scheduled to take place in Seattle. The match, set for June 26 at Lumen Field, is slated to occur during Seattle's Pride weekend and has been referred to as a "Pride Match."
While FIFA has confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted at all World Cup matches, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously stated that there would be no official "Pride Match" at the tournament. He indicated that any Pride-related events in Seattle would have no connection to the game itself.
The Iranian federation expressed that it "takes this matter seriously and has clearly communicated its position" to FIFA. The statement emphasized that FIFA should consider the views of participating teams regarding match environment and stadium presentation. Both federations have jointly informed FIFA of their position and expect necessary steps to be taken to prevent related ceremonies or promotional activities within the stadium or as part of the official match environment.
The Egyptian federation similarly objected to "the holding of any activities related to supporting homosexuality," stating in a letter to the FIFA secretary general that they "completely refuse these activities, which directly contradicts with the cultural, religious and social values in the region, especially in the Arabic and Islamic communities."
The Iranian Football Association's statement did not directly reference "pride" or "LGBTQ+" but referred to the event and community as the "movement."
SeattleFWC2026, the organizing body, maintains that the match at Lumen Field is an "inclusive event" and reaffirms that rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity are permitted under the FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct. Media coverage of SeattleFWC2026's affiliation with Pride weekend was first reported in December 2025 and immediately drew condemnation from Egypt and Iran's soccer federations, who sought to prevent any connection to the Pride events.
Iran is among six countries that impose the death penalty for same-sex relations. Homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed in Egypt but is de facto criminalized. The regime's stance in Iran, rooted in the belief that homosexuality is an illness, has historically led to significant pressure on gay men to undergo gender reassignment surgery.