Overview
- Egypt and Iran filed formal objections to labeling their World Cup group game a Pride Match, calling the choice inappropriate and political.
- Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj said both countries protested and called the move unreasonable for favoring a particular group.
- FIFA-linked organizers have defended the designation, stressing it was planned for Seattle in advance of the group draw.
- The fixture is slated for June 26, 2026 at Lumen Field, timed on the eve of the Stonewall anniversary during Seattle’s Pride weekend.
- Homosexuality is illegal in both countries, with reporting noting past death sentences in Iran, and observers have warned the dispute could broaden diplomatically.