Iran's flag was reportedly missing from a welcome installation at Lumen Field ahead of the team's scheduled June 26 group match, while Italy appeared despite failing to qualify.
3:46 PM
Iran's flag was reportedly absent from a welcome display outside Seattle's Lumen Field, the venue scheduled to host the Iran national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States.
The Iranian team qualified for the tournament through the Asian Football Confederation and is set to play its final Group G match at the stadium on June 26. The venue is soon to be renamed Seattle Stadium.
A welcome installation at the stadium displays flags of participating nations, but Iran's flag was not among them according to reports. The omission has drawn attention given the geopolitical context between the United States and Iran.
The unexpected presence of Italy in the display has added to the controversy, as Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The appearance of a non-qualifying nation's flag alongside the absence of Iran's flag has raised questions about the selection and curation of the welcome installation.
The incident comes as preparations continue for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States in the coming weeks. Iran's participation in the tournament was secured through its performance in Asian qualifying matches.
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