FIFA confirms rainbow flag in game between Egypt and Iran

Fans will be allowed to fly rainbow flags when Egypt face Iran in the World Cup-designated "Pride Game" in Seattle, FIFA said on Thursday, creating a delicate conflict between local celebrations and two nations where homosexuality is criminalized.

This Friday's group stage game (26) coincides with Pride weekend in Seattle, a peculiarity of the calendar that emerged only after the December draw, which pitted the two Muslim-majority countries against each other.

Egypt and Iran protested after the draw, with the Egyptian Football Federation stating that such events conflicted with their cultural and religious values. Both countries impose severe penalties on LGBTQ+ people.

"The 2026 FIFA World Cup is an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds. Fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome at matches and events," the organization said in a statement.

"General human rights statements, 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."

The entity added that the items will be permitted as long as they are used "in a manner consistent with the code", which limits the size of flags or banners and prohibits items considered "political".

"Pride Game" organized by Seattle, not FIFA
FIFA has distanced itself from Pride festivities, emphasizing that the celebrations are organized by the local Seattle World Cup committee and not by world football's governing body.

"I must clarify that there will be no 'Pride Game' 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 organized by external entities will take place in the city. But this has nothing to do with the match itself."

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA threatened to issue yellow cards to captains who wore the "OneLove" armband, citing its rules against political slogans.

Seattle organizers stand firm, viewing the spotlight as a platform to promote acceptance.

"The LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration... has been happening this weekend for more than 50 years," Hedda McLendon of the Seattle World Cup organizing committee told Reuters. "It's going to happen this weekend, it's going to happen long after the World Cup."

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Source: CNN