Iran and Egypt have filed formal protests with FIFA after Seattle designated their upcoming game at the 2026 World Cup as a “Pride Match” to align with the city’s annual Pride weekend.
The group-stage matchup, set for June 26 at Lumen Field, was placed on the schedule months after Seattle had announced its Pride-themed plans, prompting backlash from both countries, where homosexuality is criminalized.
Egypt’s Football Federation said it had sent a letter to FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom rejecting “in absolute terms” any LGBTQ-related activities surrounding the game. The Egyptian officials argued that the initiative would contradict the cultural and religious norms of both participants and urged the world soccer body to ensure the event remained focused solely on sport rather than local celebrations.
Iran issued a similar objection, with Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj criticizing Seattle’s designation as “unreasonable conduct that supports a specific group.” Iranian officials said they plan to notify FIFA of the broader diplomatic consequences.
This is a developing story. More to follow.
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