Pride events to continue during World Cup games in Seattle, despite Egyptian and Iranian objections

Seattle’s organizing FIFA committee announced Pride-event plans will continue during a June match, despite the competing teams’ disapproval and national laws against homosexuality.

 “SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington,” Hana Tedesse, the vice-president of communications for Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026, said in a statement.

Egypt and Iran are scheduled to face-off in the so-called “Pride Match” at Lumen Field June 26 – the Friday that begins Seattle’s Pride Weekend, according to CNN. The Pride+ Match Impact Council is planning events for local businesses and will feature three finalists’ designs from a 2025 pride-themed art contest. 

“The designs celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, showcase the distinct character of our region, and embody the unifying spirit of the World Cup – reminding all that inclusion is Seattle’s greatest strength,” the council states on its website. 

The Egyptian Football Association sent a letter to FIFA last week, saying it opposes any “activities relating to supporting homosexuality” during the match. The federation said such celebrations “contradict the cultural, religious and social values in the region, especially in Arab and Islamic societies,” according to CNN. 

“While FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all fans, and in order to maintain the spirit of unity and peace, it is necessary to avoid including activities that could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities between fans present from both countries, Egypt and Iran, especially since such activities are culturally and religiously incompatible with the two countries,” the federation said in a statement. 

Egypt does not explicitly outlaw homosexuality, but its public decency laws oppose the display or celebration of such activity. 

Meanwhile, in Iran, homosexuality is punishable by death. President of Iran’s Football Federation Mehdi Taj said he would raise concerns at an upcoming FIFA Council meeting in Qatar, according to AP News. 

“Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point,” Taj said. 

While FIFA prohibits political messaging inside stadiums, social and sporting expression is permissible, including rainbow flags, according to The Guardian. 

Image credit: seattlefwc26.org.