Rainbow flags at World Cup match between Egypt and Iran spark

Rainbow flags will fly inside the stadium and drag performances will take place across Seattle as the city hosts a World Cup match between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is illegal. The game, scheduled for Friday before Pride Weekend, has been designated a Pride Match by local organizers, drawing criticism from both teams.

Coaches avoid questions on pride

Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei declined to address the LGBTQ+ theme at a pre-match news conference. "We are here to play football, not for other things," he said. "As for things that are forbidden in our religion and do not exist, we do not want to talk about them. We only talk about the match, football and the beauty of the game." Egypt's coach similarly avoided questions, emphasizing the team's focus on the sport.

Organizers defend timing

Seattle's host committee insisted the Pride Match designation was not intended to provoke. Hedda McLendon, from Seattle's World Cup organizing committee, told the BBC that Pride Weekend had been planned before the draw paired Egypt and Iran. "It might not be how you want to live or how things are in your country, but this is something that makes us unique and we want you to experience it and be curious," she said.

Wales football legend Jess Fishlock, who plays for Seattle Reign FC and is part of the host committee, said the match is about Seattle, not the teams. "Regardless of who is playing, we would be the same. It's such an important part of Seattle's identity and culture."

FIFA allows rainbow flags

FIFA, football's governing body, confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted inside the stadium under the World Cup 2026 stadium code of conduct. In a statement, 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... provided they are used in a manner consistent with the code." However, FIFA emphasized that this is not a FIFA Pride Match, but a World Cup game taking place during Pride Weekend.

Mixed reactions from fans

At a fan zone, Egyptian fans expressed mixed views. Makarius Demian, who supports gay rights, said: "Right now it's about two teams trying to get to the next round. Pride Match or no Pride Match, that's not what matters." An Egyptian restaurant pop-up at the fan zone, run by Ayman Almasri and Amani Abouammo, described the situation as awkward and rooted in cultural misunderstanding. "Here it is the culture," they said, noting that the clash highlights differing social norms.

The match kicks off at 04:00 BST on Saturday.