Seattle to host Pride events during Egypt vs. Iran World Cup match

Seattle will host a Pride Match during the FIFA World Cup game between Egypt and Iran, as the fixture falls on the Friday before the city’s Pride Weekend, the BBC reported.

Although officials from Egypt and Iran reportedly raised concerns, local organizers say planned pride-themed events will go ahead, including drag performances, fan gatherings and rainbow flags inside the stadium.

According to Seattle’s World Cup host committee, the match is about the city itself rather than the two Middle Eastern teams. They noted that the Pride celebrations had been scheduled before the World Cup draw and would have taken place regardless of which teams were playing.

FIFA also clarified that the fixture is a regular World Cup game taking place during Seattle’s Pride Weekend, adding that the tournament’s code of conduct does not prohibit rainbow flags inside stadiums.

For their part, both Iranian and Egyptian officials said they have no wish to discuss Pride and are focused solely on football.