The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature one of its most controversial matches in Seattle. Egypt will face Iran on June 26, 2026, at Lumen Field. The match will be played on a Friday during Pride weekend. Despite both nations having strict anti-LGBTQ laws, the Seattle host committee has confirmed the game will go ahead. The fixture has officially been named the city’s Pride Match.
The match was confirmed after the final group draw placed Egypt and Iran together in Group G. Earlier schedules showed the possibility of less sensitive pairings. However, the final draw changed those plans. Human rights groups quickly raised concerns. Same-gender relationships remain criminalised in both countries. Still, local organisers say the match will be a symbol of inclusion and unity.
Seattle Hosts Politically Sensitive Fixture on Pride Weekend
According to Outsports, Seattle’s Pride Match Advisory Committee, known as PMAC, said the game is meant to celebrate diversity. The committee said the goal is to show Seattle and Washington as places “where everyone belongs”. It also said football’s global power can be used “to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs.” PMAC stressed that the message reflects the values of the host city, not the laws of Egypt or Iran.
The legal reality in both countries has caused serious concern. In Iran, same-sex relationships can result in harsh punishment, including the death penalty. In Egypt, LGBTQ people have faced repeated arrests and harassment. These facts have alarmed activists and international fans.
The Pride Match is part of a wider community plan in Seattle. It will sit alongside a Juneteenth-themed match between the United States and Australia on June 19. Seattle’s host group, SeattleFWC26, is also planning cultural and community events. The city’s website is holding a Pride Match artwork contest. Organisers have clearly stated that the project is “not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA.”
LGBTQ safety at World Cups remains a major issue. At the Qatar 2022 tournament, rainbow symbols were restricted. Some fans reported confrontations and detentions. Because of this, rights groups are urging FIFA to strongly enforce anti-discrimination rules. They want clear guarantees that all fans will be safe and welcome at the 2026 World Cup.
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