Pride Match<\/a>\u201d before the group draw took place last December, due to its coinciding with the annual Pride celebration week in the city.<\/p>\nObjection from Egypt and Iran<\/h2>\n
The Egyptian and Iranian federations expressed their strong refusal of any activities, celebrations, or symbols related to supporting the LGBTQ+ community inside the stadium or as part of the match atmosphere.<\/p>\n
In an official statement, the Iranian Football Federation confirmed that it had informed FIFA of its stance rejecting \u201cany ceremonies or promotional activities related to this movement\u201d inside the stadium, pointing out that Egypt and Iran are Muslim countries that share common cultural and religious values. The Iranian federation also called for the prevention of any symbols or representations of this movement inside the stadium.<\/p>\n
The Egyptian Football Federation sent an official letter to FIFA Secretary-General Matthias Grafstrom, expressing its total rejection of any activities related to supporting \u201chomosexuality\u201d during the match, considering it contrary to the cultural, religious, and social values in the Arab and Islamic region.<\/p>\n
FIFA’s Official Position<\/h2>\n
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that the 2026 World Cup is an inclusive event welcoming all backgrounds, and fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome at the matches and events.<\/p>\n
The statement read: \u201cPublic displays of human rights, including rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity, are permitted in accordance with the Code of Conduct for stadiums at the 2026 World Cup, and may be displayed inside the stadium as long as they are used in a manner consistent with these rules.\u201d<\/p>\n
FIFA clarified that rainbow flags will be allowed at all World Cup matches this summer.<\/p>\n
Organization in Seattle: Inside and Outside the Stadium<\/h2>\n
Informed sources confirmed that the organizing committee in Seattle has not planned any official events inside the stadium related to Pride, and that the main programming scheduled will be outside the stadium area, which is not under FIFA’s direct authority.<\/p>\n
Heida McLendon, the Senior Vice President of Legacy for the Seattle 2026 World Cup Committee, stated: \u201cOne of the things that makes us unique is our culture of inclusivity\u2026 Egypt and Iran are just two of 65 countries in the world that criminalize homosexuality, and there is an opportunity for everyone to improve regarding the inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community.\u201d<\/p>\n
McLendon added in previous statements that the organizers expect \u201ca lot of rainbow flags inside the stadium and shirts bearing rainbow flags.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Seattle committee had designated the match on June 26 as a \u201cPride Match\u201d before the draw, due to its coincidence with the Pride weekend in the city. After the draw resulted in a matchup between Egypt and Iran, the matter sparked widespread controversy due to the criminalization of homosexuality in both countries.<\/p>\n
It is noteworthy that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had stated last January that \u201cthere will be no Pride match in the World Cup,\u201d explaining that the match would be an ordinary match in the World Cup, while external events would be held in the city.<\/p>\n
The match will take place at Lumen Field, which is expected to witness a large attendance from fans of both teams, in addition to local fans who are expected to raise rainbow flags in celebration of Pride Week in Seattle.<\/p>\n
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