Topline
The leaders of two countries that criminalize homosexuality have complained to FIFA this week after they were chosen to play in a World Cup match in June that host city Seattle had previously designated as a “Pride Match” meant to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities.
Iran is illuminated on screen during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center on Dec. 5, 2025.
FIFA via Getty Images
Key Facts
Iran and Egypt are speaking out against plans to celebrate queer communities at a June 26 game in Seattle, which coincides with the city’s annual Pride weekend, after they were chosen as the competitors during the World Cup draw last week.
Seattle had long designated the game as “a once-in-a-lifetime moment to showcase and celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities,” and it was pure coincidence that teams from two countries that criminalize and punish homosexuality were chosen to compete in the match.
The Egyptian Football Association and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran both said they’ve sent letters to FIFA complaining about the plans and requesting the celebrations be canceled, but the local organizing committee told the BBC they have no intention of nixing the Pride association.
In its letter, the Egyptian group said the Pride plans “directly conflict with the cultural, religious and social values in the region” and said the celebrations would “provoke cultural and religious sensitivities” of the teams’ fans.
The organizing committee hasn’t announced all the plans for the match, which are set to take place outside of the stadium where Iran and Egypt will play, but last month selected the finalists in an art contest that solicited designs “with a powerful message of LGBTQ+ inclusivity” that will be used “for Pride Match purposes.”
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Crucial Quote
“With matches on Juneteenth and pride, we get to show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome,” Seattle’s Mayor-elect Kate Wilson wrote on social media. “What an incredible honor!”
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