FIFA announced on June 25, 2026, that fans will be allowed to bring pride flags to the World Cup match in Seattle between Iran and Egypt, despite objections from the Iranian team and FIFA's general ban on political items. The match is scheduled for June 26, coinciding with Seattle's Pride Weekend, and has been branded as the 'Pride match' by local organizers. FIFA stated that the World Cup is an inclusive event welcoming all backgrounds, and general statements of human rights, including rainbow flags, are permitted under the FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct.
FIFA rules prohibit players and officials from displaying political, religious, or personal messages on uniforms during matches. This rule was enforced during the 2022 World Cup when Qatari soccer captains faced penalties for wearing 'OneLove' armbands. The Iranian soccer team expressed their disapproval of the pride flags, stating that they contradict the religious values of Iran and Egypt. They communicated their position to FIFA, requesting that no promotional activities related to the pride movement occur at the stadium.
Seattle organizers confirmed that the branding for the 'Pride match' was established before the teams were scheduled to play. FIFA President Gianni Infantino clarified that the Pride celebrations and the soccer match are separate events. Local organizers plan to continue Pride festivities during the match, with LGBT advocacy group Outright International distributing thousands of flags on the day of the event.