Diplomatic tensions over World Cup “Pride Match”

The “Pride Match” initiative announced by the local organizing committee in Seattle, USA, one of the cities that will host the 2026 World Cup, has caused discontent between Egypt and Iran and formed a backdrop for political tension before the tournament even began.

The World Cup will be held in Mexico, Canada and the United States between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Months before the draw, the Seattle committee announced that it would dedicate the match to be played in the city on June 26 to the official Pride Month and named the match “Pride Match”. The initiative aims to bring the LGBQI+ community together with the city’s biggest football event and organize a large-scale program as part of Pride Week.

But last week’s draw in Seattle brought an unexpected twist: The match, to be held in Group G of the World Cup in Seattle, pits Egypt and Iran, two countries that have faced international criticism for their strict laws and repressive practices regarding LGBTQI+ rights.

In Iran, homosexuality is punishable by death, while in Egypt, “morality” and “incitement” are often used to target LGBTQI+ people. Both countries have reportedly expressed concerns about the match being presented as part of Pride.

The Seattle organizing committee, however, has not changed its position. “Football is a unique platform for people to come together across borders, cultures and belief systems. The Pride Match will be a symbolic example of these values — mutual respect, dignity and unity.”

Egyptian and Iranian officials have already expressed their objections to the branding of the match as part of Pride and are using some of their channels to try to change the format of the event.

Seattle, however, says it has not changed its position for now and emphasizes that the extensive program planned for Pride Week will continue.

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