The 2026 World Cup hasn’t started yet, but one clash is already attracting attention off the field. The Egypt vs. Iran duel, scheduled for June 27 in Seattle, was previously chosen by the local committee to be part of the Pride Weekend program, coinciding with the city’s LGBTQIA+ pride celebrations.
The designation of the match as a “Pride Match” was made before the draw for the World Cup. Only then did the coincidence occur: the festive match would host precisely two teams whose countries punish homosexual relations.
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In Egypt, “public morality” laws are used to criminalize homosexual acts; In Iran, Sharia law provides for severe penalties, including the death penalty in some cases. The Iranian FA called the decision “irrational” and said it would challenge the use of the term “Pride Match” with FIFA. The Egyptian Federation also expressed its uneasiness.
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In addition to playing the Pride match, Iran did not participate in the World Cup draw.
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The team participated in the Asian Qualifiers.
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Egypt is in the group with Iran, New Zealand and Belgium
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The Seattle organizing committee, however, maintained the initial proposal. The city created the Pride Match Advisory Committee, a group charged with guiding campaigns, community actions and spaces for local LGBTQIA+ businesses during the event. The rationale, according to the headquarters’ official website, is to promote “visibility and inclusion in world football.”
The match ends the teams’ participation in Group G, which also includes Belgium and New Zealand.
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