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Seattle Hosts Iran‑Egypt World Cup Match Amid Pride Celebrations

Seattle’s Lumen Field will host a World Cup Group G match on Friday between Iran and Egypt, with the group standings still undecided.

By france24 · 7h ago · Source: france24

Full article

Seattle’s Lumen Field will host a World Cup Group G match on Friday between Iran and Egypt, with the group standings still undecided. The match occurs during Seattle’s annual Pride celebrations, and stadium officials have allowed rainbow flags inside the venue. Iran and Egypt have laws that criminalize same‑sex relations and have asked that Pride‑themed events be canceled, but both teams declined to discuss the issue and said they will focus on the game. Jess Fishlock, captain of Seattle Reign, told the Associated Press that the World Cup unites diverse cultures. Ilona Lohrey, president and CEO of the Greater Seattle Business Association, said Seattle’s inclusivity strengthens the city. Hana Tadesse, a spokesperson for Seattle’s World Cup organizing committee, said FIFA treats the rainbow flag as a human‑rights statement and permits its display. FIFA executive director of public relations Daniel Marin read a statement from the Iranian Football Federation indicating the team would answer only questions about the match. Iranian players have faced travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan said at practice that the team is focused on football. The outcome of the match could determine which team advances to the knockout stage, and the controversy over Pride celebrations remains unresolved.

Source transparency

Publisher
france24
Reliability
high
Published
6/26/2026, 1:00:17 PM
Retrieved
6/26/2026, 1:00:17 PM
Relevance
80%
Confidence
85%
Read original at france24

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