Iran call for FIFA to ban rainbow symbol in World Cup 'Pride Match' with Egypt

Ahead of their upcoming World Cup group stage decider against Egypt, which is being dubbed the 'Pride Match' due to campaigns planned by the LGBTQ+ community in Seattle, the Iranian Federation has called for FIFA to ban rainbow symbols.

In celebration of Pride month, the Seattle FWC26 committee identified its June 26 World Cup fixture at Lumen Field as the date for a 'Pride Match'.

The committee has planned LGBTQ+ activations around the game, even having a website page dedicated to its Pride Match Day plans.

Since the planning began, the World Cup fixture generator spun out a group-deciding game between Iran and Egypt for June 26, and now the Iranian FA is calling for the Pride plans to be stopped.

Iran Federation demands LGBTQ+ flags be banned from World Cup match

The Iranian national team has been at odds with FIFA over their treatment during the World Cup, planning to lodge a formal complaint about their travel restrictions.

The team has been forced to leave the United States immediately after matches, amid the ongoing tensions between the countries due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Donald Trump previously called for Iran to be banned from the World Cup, before doing a U-turn on his stance after a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Iran has since played their two opening fixtures, earning two hard-fought draws against Belgium and New Zealand.

However, as they look to upset Group G leaders Egypt, the Iranian FA has taken issue with plans for Pride festivities in Seattle.

According to a report from The Athletic, the Iranian Federation has written to FIFA to ask that all symbols related to "this movement" be banned from entering the stadium, citing that the two Muslim countries' religious "values and beliefs" should be respected.

"The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran takes this matter seriously and has clearly communicated its position to FIFA," a spokesperson on behalf of the Iran national team said.

"Iran and Egypt are two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities, and the views expressed by both federations reflect the values and beliefs shared by the people of both countries.

"Our position is that no ceremonies or promotional activities associated with this movement should be present inside the stadium or as part of the match environment. This position has been communicated to FIFA through the appropriate channels.

“We believe FIFA should take into account the views and concerns of the participating teams when considering matters related to the match environment and stadium presentation.

“FIFA has been informed of this shared position by both countries and is expected to take the necessary steps to ensure that no related ceremonies or promotional activities take place within the stadium or as part of the official match environment.”

As per The Athletic report, FIFA is allowing rainbow flags and symbols at all games in the World Cup 2026.

However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino refused to allow the 'Pride Match' tag to become official, playing down the branding in an interview with Swiss outlet Weltwoche.

“I must clarify that there will be no ‘Pride Match’ at the (FIFA) World Cup," Infantino said.

"There will be a FIFA World Cup match in Seattle, and on the same day, events organised by external organizations will be taking place in the city. But that has nothing to do with the match itself."

FIFA has yet to release a statement in response to the Iranian request, but has previously claimed that the World Cup is an "inclusive event."