Egyptian football fans watch their team's group stage match against Iran, being played in Seattle, United States, on June 27, 2026, in Cairo. (Credit: Khaled Desouki/AFP)
The owner of this café in Cairo's old Sayeda Zeinab neighborhood could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The first images from Saturday's soccer match between Egypt and Iran, on June 27, reassured him even before kickoff. "Thank God, they're not wearing the armband," he said.Rumors had circulated that all 22 players would be required to wear rainbow armbands representing the LGBTQIA+ flag throughout the match at Lumen Field in Seattle, which tournament organizers had designated the "Pride Match" to celebrate "Pride Day." The designation put Egypt and Iran in an awkward position, as homosexuality remains heavily repressed and widely stigmatized in both countries.The decision sparked controversy and united the two national federations in rejecting the label. "Forcing this on us would have been...
The owner of this café in Cairo's old Sayeda Zeinab neighborhood could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The first images from Saturday's soccer match between Egypt and Iran, on June 27, reassured him even before kickoff. "Thank God, they're not wearing the armband," he said.Rumors had circulated that all 22 players would be required to wear rainbow armbands representing the LGBTQIA+ flag throughout the match at Lumen Field in Seattle, which tournament organizers had designated the "Pride Match" to celebrate "Pride Day." The designation put Egypt and Iran in an awkward position, as homosexuality remains heavily repressed and widely stigmatized in both countries.The decision sparked controversy and united the two national federations in rejecting the label. "Forcing this on us would have...
