The party of 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States that you will face Egypt And Iran -two countries where homosexuality is criminalized- at the headquarters of Seattle was described by local organizers as “LGBTQ+ Pride Party”.
The local organizing committee of Seattle, one of the cities on the American west coast that hosts the FIFA tournament, had previously determined that the game, played at Lumen Field on June 26, would be dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
It was announced over the weekend that the Egyptian and Iranian teams, which criminalize same-sex relationships, would play the game that day.
The game between the two Group G countries coincides with the start of the LGBTQ+ Pride weekend celebrated in Seattle.
The groups of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
There are 48 choices. Two FIFA countries and four UEFA countries will emerge from the remaining playoffs.
The Seattle Pride Games Advisory Committee (PMAC), which has no relationship with FIFA, warned that it would go ahead with its celebration plans despite the ironic situation.
In both Iran and Egypt, same-sex relationships are punished with severe penalties, in some cases even the death penalty, according to complaints from defenders of this community as follows Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The designation represents a test for FIFA, which faced criticism at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are also punishable. However, this country allowed the display of rainbow flags.
“With hundreds of thousands of visitors and billions of viewers around the world, this is a unique moment to showcase and celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities in Washington while ensuring meaningful and lasting impact for local businesses, arts and organizations,” PMAC’s website states.
PMAC is part of the local Seattle committee organizing celebrations surrounding the 2026 World Cup games.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – match calendar
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