FIFA Is Allowing Pride Flags At The Iran Vs Egypt World Cup Game Despite Both Nations Demanding They Be Removed

In case you missed it, FIFA has hilariously designated the Egypt Vs Iran game as a ‘Pride Match’, seeing as it takes place tonight (June 26) and coincides with Seattle’s Pride weekend.

The football federations of both Iran and Egypt have been working hard to convince FIFA to ban rainblow flags from the game, as it would clash with the cultural and religious values of both nations.

Unfortunately for them, FIFA has officially rejected the demands, and the game will go ahead as planned inside Seattle’s Lumen Field with what I’m sure will be an abundance of Pride flags, both from actual advocates and people who want to troll the teams.

The local Seattle organising committee designated this specific match date as a “Pride Match” long before the tournament draw, so apparently it’s pure coincidence that Iran and Egypt –  two countries with some of the strictest anti-gay laws on the planet – were paired to play each other on this exact day.

I’m not so sure about it being a total coincidence, to be honest – but it’s also pretty amusing, you have to admit.

LGBTQ+ celebrations and artwork will be on display around the stadium and across Seattle this whole weekend, so it will basically be Gay Central everywhere you look. Bit of a head-f-ck for the Egyptian and Iran players and fans, but I guess they’ve got no choice.

FIFA says “The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds. Fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome.”

For the Premier League player who complained after he was put on a matchday programme cover during the Rainbow Laces period, click HERE. He was worried everyone would think he’s gay.