FIFA announced on Thursday that fans may bring rainbow flags into Seattle's stadium for the World Cup group stage match between Egypt and Iran, scheduled for Friday.
The match coincides with Seattle's annual Pride weekend, causing friction with both Muslim-majority nations where homosexuality is criminalized.
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The Egyptian Football Association and Iranian officials had previously objected to the scheduling alignment, citing conflicts with their cultural and religious values.
In response, FIFA clarified its stance on human rights symbols within tournament venues.
"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 at matches and events," FIFA said in a statement.
The organization added that rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity are permitted under the Stadium Code of Conduct, subject to size restrictions and regulations against political messaging.
FIFA's executive director of public relations, Daniel Marin, read a statement ahead of Thursday's pre-match press conference with Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei and goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously sought to separate the tournament from local festivities.
"I must clarify that there will be no 'Pride Match' at the World Cup," Infantino told Swiss magazine Die Weltwoche in January.
He emphasized that municipal events outside stadiums are independent of the official schedule.
The decision follows the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where FIFA threatened disciplinary yellow cards against team captains planning to wear "OneLove" armbands.
Local organizers in Washington state stated they intend to proceed with their scheduled community events regardless of international objections.
"The Pride celebration… has happened on this weekend for 50-plus years," said Hedda McLendon, a member of Seattle's local World Cup organizing committee.
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"It is going to happen this weekend, it is going to happen long after the World Cup."
