Don't Like Pride Events? Deal With It, Says 2026 FIFA WC Organizers; Shushes Egypt, Iran Concerns

Last Updated:December 11, 2025, 08:03 IST

Seattle will host Egypt vs Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a Pride Match, spotlighting LGBTQ+ celebrations despite objections from both nations and appeals to FIFA.

(Credit: X)

The irony wasn’t lost on anyone when it was announced that Egypt and Iran would face off against each other in Seattle next year at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in what would be a ‘Pride Match’.

But the better part? The organizers in Seattle are refusing to budge.

Plans to spotlight LGBTQ+ celebrations around next year’s Egypt–Iran group-stage clash on June 26 — designated locally as the “Pride Match, as it coincides with Seattle’s annual Pride Weekend — will go ahead as envisioned — even as officials from both nations object.

“SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned… partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington," said Hana Tadesse, the tournament’s vice president of communications.

Tadesse emphasized Seattle’s diversity — from one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities to a vibrant Egyptian diaspora — and reiterated that all visitors would be welcomed with “warmth, respect, and dignity."

Iran and Egypt, however, have both lodged objections.

Iran Football Federation chief Mehdi Taj called the planned celebrations an “irrational move that supports a certain group," noting that Tehran and Cairo had formally voiced their concerns. Iranian state TV also reported plans to “appeal" to FIFA.

Homosexuality remains illegal and punishable by death in Iran, while Egypt often prosecutes LGBTQ+ people under broad “debauchery" laws despite no explicit legal ban.

But Seattle, for its part, isn’t flinching. So, maybe both contingents might want to embrace and respect the traditions of their hosts, as they so please — and realise that life comes full circle.

(with agency inputs)

News sports football Don't Like Pride Events? Deal With It, Says 2026 FIFA WC Organizers; Shushes Egypt, Iran Concerns

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