Seattle plans to host a ‘Pride Match’ during the 2026 FIFA World Cup for a game between Egypt and Iran.
Both Egypt and Iran have formally objected to FIFA over the planned LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Organizers in Seattle are moving forward with the event, which coincides with the city’s annual PrideFest.
Both participating nations have severe penalties and laws used to prosecute LGBTQ+ people.
The local organizing committee helping Seattle host the 2026 FIFA World Cup is moving forward with plans for a ‘Pride Match’ over the fierce objections of both countries slated to play in the game.
Egypt and Iran were randomly placed in Group G together and then selected to face one another on June 26 in Seattle as part of last week’s World Cup draw, setting up the odd twist of a match with previously scheduled LGBTQ+ celebrations featuring two countries that impose severe penalties on LGBTQ+ people.
The Egyptian Football Association said earlier this week it sent a letter to FIFA stating it ‘categorically rejects any activities promoting LGBTQ during the match.’ Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj also confirmed during a state television interview that his country filed a formal complaint, according to ESPN, and planned to bring up the issue during a FIFA Council meeting in Qatar next week.
But organizers in the Pacific Northwest remain steadfast in holding the event as planned in conjunction with the annual Seattle PrideFest and addressed the brewing situation in light of displeasure expressed by Egypt and Iran.
‘As the Local Organizing Committee, SeattleFWC26’s role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium,’ Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Vice President of Communications Hana Tadesse said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday, Dec. 10. ‘SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington.
‘Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle. We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region.’
Same-sex relations can carry the death penalty in Iran, according to Reuters, while in Egypt, morality laws are often used to prosecute LGBTQ+ people. FIFA has not yet commented on the situation, though the ‘Pride Match’ festivities surrounding the June 26 match are not officially affiliated with soccer’s international governing body.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA threatened yellow cards for players wearing the ‘OneLove’ armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights because of the host nation’s culture, prompting teams like England and Wales to scrap plans to use it.
The Egyptian Football Association said its position was based on FIFA’s statutes related to neutrality in political and social matters during competition and fan behavior. Taj called it ‘an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point.’
‘These activities directly conflict with the cultural, religious and social values of the region, particularly in Arab and Islamic societies,’ the Egyptian Football Association wrote. ‘While FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful environment that welcomes all fans, it is essential to avoid activities that could spark tension or misunderstanding between supporters from Egypt and Iran. We call on FIFA to guarantee that the match takes place in an atmosphere focused solely on sport and free from displays that contradict the beliefs of the participating nations.’