Iran threatens World Cup match stoppages over ‘unofficial flags’ ahead of Seattle Pride Match
Members of the Iranian national team (Image: Getty)
Iran’s sports minister has warned FIFA that Iran’s team manager would be responsible for stopping World Cup matches if fans bring “unofficial flags” or chant slogans against the national team, a threat that could affect Pride displays at Seattle’s scheduled Pride Match.
Ahmad Donyamali said Iran had already raised the issue with FIFA ahead of the tournament. “We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match,” he said.
Donyamali added: “We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur in the stadium during the match against Egypt.”
The fixture is scheduled for 26 June 2026 in Seattle, with Iran playing Egypt. The match has been branded a “Pride Match” by SeattleFWC26, the local host committee, rather than FIFA.
Why the Seattle Pride Match is a flashpoint
The warning is reportedly widely seen as aimed at preventing displays of the “Lion and Sun” flag associated with pre-1979 Iran, but it could also affect rainbow flags and other Pride symbols inside the stadium.
It is also understood that officials from Iran and Egypt previously asked FIFA to halt Pride-related activities linked to the match and to effectively ban Pride flags during the fixture, following earlier pressure on FIFA around the Seattle plans.
Iran and Egypt were randomly selected in December as the teams for Seattle’s Pride-themed match, prompting public reaction and lobbying around the event.
FIFA’s response and what happens next
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated a “focus on the football” message when discussing Iran’s participation at a pre-tournament press conference. “When Iran plays, the stadium will be full, and I hope there will be a positive atmosphere because this is football,” he said, urging those present to “promote the unity of the World Cup.”
He added: “This is about people forgetting for a moment their realities and being able to focus on a match and on a team,”
The dispute lands amid wider scrutiny of tournament policies on fan expression, including context about FIFA and calls to ban Pride flags at World Cup fixtures, and a travel warning for the 2026 World Cup over safety concerns for LGBTQ+ supporters.
