A World Cup group-stage match scheduled for Seattle next summer has triggered unexpected international controversy, after football federations from Egypt and Iran objected to LGBTQ-related festivities planned around the event.
Local organizers had previously designated the June 26 match at Lumen Field as part of Seattle’s annual Pride Weekend celebrations — months before the World Cup draw determined which teams would play there. But the assignment of Egypt and Iran to the fixture has drawn sharp rebukes from both nations, escalating political sensitivities surrounding an already contentious tournament.
Seattle’s ‘Pride Match’ Concept
Seattle is one of 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Earlier this year, SeattleFWC26 — the local organizing committee — announced that the match scheduled on June 26 would coincide with the city’s Pride festivities.
Organizers planned citywide events, including an LGBTQ+ art competition, to showcase “creativity, inclusion, and the vibrant spirit” of Seattle’s community. According to the committee, activities were intended for public spaces outside the stadium, not inside Lumen Field, where FIFA has operational authority.
Following last week’s draw, FIFA assigned Egypt and Iran to the Seattle match, while Belgium and New Zealand will play concurrently in Vancouver.
Strong Objections From Egypt and Iran
Homosexuality remains illegal and punishable by death in Iran. In Egypt, while same-sex relations are not explicitly outlawed, LGBTQ+ individuals can face prosecution under morality and public decency laws.
Both nations’ football federations quickly issued formal objections. The Egyptian Football Association sent a letter to FIFA stating that Pride-related events “directly contradict the cultural, religious and social values” of the participating countries. The federation urged FIFA to avoid activities that could “provoke cultural and religious sensitivities” among supporters.
Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj also condemned the scheduling, calling it “an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group.” Taj said Iran plans to raise the issue at an upcoming FIFA Council meeting.
Local Organizers Stand Firm
Seattle’s organizing committee said the planned Pride-related activities will proceed as scheduled.
“Our role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the experience outside the stadium,” said Hana Tadesse, vice president of communications for SeattleFWC26. “The Pacific Northwest is home to large Iranian-American and Egyptian communities, and we are committed to ensuring all visitors experience the warmth and dignity that define our region.”
LGBTQ+ organizations in the city, including Seattle PrideFest, acknowledged both the opportunity and risks presented by hosting a globally sensitive match during Pride Weekend. They said they are coordinating with local organizers to address safety concerns.
FIFA Yet to Respond
FIFA has not publicly addressed the dispute or confirmed whether it will intervene. The situation adds to longstanding questions about how world football’s governing body handles LGBTQ+ issues during major tournaments.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA warned teams against wearing “OneLove” armbands and urged fans to respect local customs, with some spectators reporting that rainbow symbols were confiscated before entering stadiums.
Seattle is also set to host Qatar two days before the Egypt–Iran match, adding another layer of sensitivity.
For now, the standoff highlights the challenges of staging a global tournament across diverse cultural contexts — and sets up an early test for FIFA’s approach to inclusion at the 2026 World Cup.
