Iran and Egypt to play World Cup match surrounded rainbow flags

On June 26, the national teams of Iran and Egypt will meet in Seattle for a World Cup match designated by local organizers as a "Pride Match" to mark LGBTQI+ Pride Month. Despite protests from participating countries, the game will go ahead as planned, and the stadium is expected to be filled with rainbow flags and rainbow-themed T-shirts.

According to Outsports, this will be the first Pride Match in World Cup history. The initiative was planned by the local Seattle organizing committee before the specific teams playing that day were known. The draw revealed that Iran and Egypt, countries where LGBTQI+ people face serious risks and persecution, will participate in the match.

Data from Equaldex shows that Iran and Egypt are among the countries with the worst conditions for LGBTQI+ people. Same-sex relations in Iran can be punishable by death.

Seattle organizers have said they are not going to back down from the plan because of the pressure. They see the match as part of the city's World Cup program and a way to show support for the LGBTQI+ community.

According to Outsports, FIFA is allowing rainbow flags at World Cup matches. As a result, queer symbols will be visible not only around the stadium, but also during the game itself.

Powered by Froala Editor