Seattle confirms Pride match celebrations will proceed at 2026 World Cup despite Egypt and Iran protests | OneFootball

Seattle has confirmed that Pride match celebrations will go ahead around Egypt’s meeting with Iran on 27 June 2026, despite protests from both nations, which condemn homosexuality.

The fixture in Seattle will be dedicated to the LGBT+ cause and will align with the city’s annual Pride weekend.

Hana Tadesse, the local organising committee’s vice-president for communications, said football can unite people across borders, cultures and beliefs, adding that the Pacific Northwest hosts one of the largest Iranian-American communities, a growing Egyptian diaspora and diverse communities representing all visiting teams.

Iran and Egypt have objected to the choice of this game, which was designated before the draw and could have fallen to the group G match between New Zealand and Belgium, who play in Vancouver the same day.

Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj called the decision irrational and claimed it favours a particular group. Same-sex relations are illegal in Iran under Islamic law and can in some cases be punishable by death.

The Egyptian Football Association has sent an official letter to FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom rejecting in absolute terms any LGBT+ support activity during the match. Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal in Egypt, though prosecutions often rely on broadly worded laws against “debauchery”.

Source: L'Équipe