The Group G fixture in Seattle coincides with the city’s Pride weekend.

Seattle, United States (Running Africa) — FIFA has confirmed that spectators will be allowed to display rainbow flags inside Seattle’s Lumen Field during Friday’s FIFA World Cup Group G match between Egypt and Iran, despite objections from both countries over Pride-related activities surrounding the fixture.

The match coincides with Seattle’s annual Pride weekend after the World Cup schedule aligned with the city’s celebrations. Local organizers have incorporated the fixture into broader community events taking place across the city.

The Egyptian Football Association raised concerns following the announcement, arguing that Pride branding linked to the match conflicts with Egypt’s cultural and religious values. The Iran Football Federation also objected, calling for the exclusion of Pride-related ceremonies and promotional activities inside the stadium.

FIFA rejected both requests, reiterating that the FIFA World Cup is an inclusive tournament and that rainbow flags are permitted under the competition’s stadium regulations. The governing body said fans are free to display the flags during matches in accordance with tournament rules.

FIFA also clarified that Seattle’s Pride celebrations are organized independently by the city’s local World Cup organizing committee and are not official FIFA events, distinguishing them from the tournament’s formal program.

The decision highlights the ongoing balance FIFA faces between promoting inclusion at its global tournaments and navigating the differing cultural and political positions of participating nations.