Score a victory for the city of Seattle, whose World Cup host committee, LGBTQ+ community, and body politic declined to give in to demands that its World Cup Pride Match , held Friday night, go away. Because if that had happened, an Iran ian fan would not have asked to take a selfie with a man holding a rainbow flag, near the Seattle Stadium pitch, before Iran met Egypt in the final group stage game for both countries.
The four guys wearing tutus on a street near the stadium in support of Pride would not announce that fans of Egypt and Iran—two countries where gay citizens face severe challenges—gave them no flak. And the Chaotic Noise Matching Corps, a rainbow-clad, queer-inclusive collection of percussionists, trumpeters and tuba players, would not be doing their thing as waves of fans, wearing Egypt red and Iranian green, white, and red, walked by them, a few stopping to dance in tune.
Free expression notched a win. Within the confines of Seattle Stadium, rainbow pride gear, flags supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran, and those trumpeting the pre-Revolution dynasty , all coexisted amidst the 66,925 in the stands.
And the global game of soccer emerged triumphant. Only at a World Cup , perhaps, could all these people seem to pay little mind to the geopolitical complications of unfurling, right before the match, the Iranian flag on the pitch of a host country that on Friday launched new attacks on its visitors.
They just wanted a fun night of football, and they got just that. In Friday's action-packed 1-1 draw, Iran seemed to score the goal that would send Team Melli to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in history, only for the shot to be negated by an oh-so-small offsides violation . Minutes later, an Iran header hit the crossbar. After the wild finish, Egypt advanced to its first knockout round ever: the Iranians have to sweat out a host of results on Saturday to see if they will as well.
More than two years ago, the Seattle World Cup host committee had decided to incorporate its annual Pride Weekend into this match. "We have an emphasis on inclusion," says Leo Flor, chief legacy officer of the local World Cup organizing committee. "We were going to really highlight Pride and Pride celebrations across the city and state, because of the overall goal of really making sure that everyone across the world gets a good look at what we think makes Seattle special."
At the World Cup draw in December, Egypt and Iran were slotted into the game. Both these soccer federations objected to being affiliated with a Pride Match. The Egypt Football Association wrote a letter to FIFA saying Pride activities "provoke cultural and religious sensitivities among fans … these activities directly conflict with the cultural, religious and social values of the region, particularly in Arab and Islamic societies." The head of Iran's soccer federation called the Pride Match "an irrational move that supports a certain group."
This week, both the Egyptian and Iranian soccer federations declined TIME interview requests. In a statement published by The Athletic, an Iranian spokesperson wrote: "Iran and Egypt are two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities, and the views expressed by both federations reflect the values and beliefs shared by the people of both countries. Our position is that no ceremonies, or promotional activities associated with this movement should be present inside the stadium or as part of the match environment. This position has been communicated to FIFA through the appropriate channels." (FIFA allowed Pride flags into the game).
On Thursday, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said he did not want to discuss the Pride Match. "As for things that are forbidden in our religion and do not exist, we do not want to talk about them," said Ghalenoei. "We only talk about the match, football, and the beauty of football."
All the Pride Match objections from Iran and Egypt's soccer governing bodies proved overwrought. Pride displays inside and outside the stadium did not disrupt the game. People left this fantastic match on a high—with the notable exception of the Iranian fans and players so crushed by the game's outcome. "I can't see any luck in my team, because we deserve to win the game," said Iran defender Ramin Rezaeian , who was visibly emotional and distraught afterwards. "At the end, we are just apologizing to my people in Iran, because they deserve more happiness."
The disappointed Iranian players weren't eager to talk about the Pride Match experience. "Our religion doesn't accept that, but we respect all of the LGBT people," said Iran forward Mehdi Taremi , whose first-half penalty shot was stopped by Egyptian keeper Mostafa Shobeir. "That's their own idea. It's not about us, we are here to play football."
About an hour and fifteen minutes before kickoff Friday night, the "Designated Protest Zone" across the street from Seattle Stadium had nobody in it. Up the block, a group protested Israel's actions in Gaza, and some tension simmered between Iranians waving the pre-Revolution "Lion and Sun" flag—they're generally extremely critical of the current government—and people more supportive of the current regime.
Pride, meanwhile, brought joy. Earlier in the day, a Trans Pride event at Volunteer Park, a few miles north of the stadium, celebrated small businesses, advocacy organizations, and performers who elevate Seattle's LGBTQ+ community. Many believed the World Cup Pride game, the source of global headlines and controversy since Egypt and Iran were named as participants, would in the end deliver on its promise. "Whether you are outside of the US or you are inside of the U.S., and you do not feel accepted or feel like it is safe to be out and live a life that is true to who you are, I hope that this is an opportunity to see that there is a community that is here who is excited to bring you in," says Nakita Venus, executive director of Seattle's LGBTQ+ Center. "Every person deserves to be able to be their true selves. Being queer and trans is a gift, and deserves to be treated as such."
