One of the American host cities for the 2026 World Cup has found itself in an awkward position. After the Dec. 5 tournament draw, it became clear that the match scheduled in Seattle between Iran and Egypt will take place as an LGBTQ+ «Pride Match.»
The situation stems from a decision the Seattle Organizing Committee made long before the draw. City officials designated the June 26 game as a Pride-themed match without knowing which teams would play that day. A twist of fate resulted in an Iran-Egypt pairing — two countries where LGBTQ+ rights are highly restricted.
FIFA is not involved in Seattle’s decision. The tournament’s regulations do not require or encourage Pride designations. Seattle’s branding of the game is solely a local civic initiative.
LGBTQ+ rights in Iran and Egypt
According to the French outlet RMC Sport, same-sex relations in Iran are prohibited under Sharia law and can, in some cases, be punishable by death. In Egypt, homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized, but authorities frequently rely on broad «debauchery» laws to prosecute LGBTQ+ people. Human rights groups have documented repeated instances of repression and arrests in both countries.
Mixed reactions from Iran and Seattle
Iran has already signaled displeasure. The head of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, described Seattle’s initiative as «irrational» branding, The Daily Sun reported, citing the Iranian news agency ISNA.
The Seattle Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC), however, said the event is meant to reflect local values, not the values or policies of the visiting teams, according to the Hindustan Times.
PMAC member Eric Wahl wrote on social media that the participation of Egypt and Iran is «a good thing» because there are «LGBTQAI+ people everywhere,» adding that Seattle is a place where everyone can be themselves.
Wahl is the brother of the late American journalist Grant Wahl, who died Dec. 9, 2022, while covering the World Cup in Qatar. Days before his death, Grant Wahl drew international attention when he was detained for trying to enter a stadium wearing a rainbow T-shirt in protest of Qatar’s laws.
Why Seattle?
Seattle has one of the oldest, most active and politically influential LGBTQ+ communities in the U.S. Along with San Francisco, it served as an early center of the gay rights movement. Washington state was also among the first to legalize same-sex marriage and adopt legal protections for sexual minorities.
