Seattle’s World Cup Pride match events will continue as planned despite complaints from Iran and Egypt over LGBTQ community celebrations
WORLD CUP organisers in Seattle said activities celebrating the LGBTQ community around a match between Egypt and Iran will proceed as planned.
The Seattle 2026 World Cup organising committee confirmed the first round group game on June 26, designated locally as the “Pride Match”, will highlight the city’s annual LGBTQ Pride Weekend.
Organising committee vice president of communications Hana Tadesse said SeattleFWC26 is moving forward with community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend.
“Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs,” Tadesse said in a statement.
Iranian and Egyptian officials have both raised objections to the Seattle Pride celebrations around their fixture.
Homosexuality is illegal in Iran under Islamic law and can be punishable by death.
The head of Iran’s Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, labelled the plans an “irrational move that supports a certain group.”
Taj said Tehran and Cairo had both raised objections against the issue.
Iranian state television said Tehran would appeal to FIFA over the matter.
Egypt’s Football Association has voiced similar objections, according to Egyptian local media.
In Egypt, homosexuality is not expressly outlawed but is often punished under laws prohibiting “debauchery.” – AFP
