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FIFA Names EgyptIran 2026 World Cup Game as SeattlePride Match,’ Drawing Criticism

Seattle chose the Pride theme to coincide with local festivities during the tournament.

Overview

  • The group-stage fixture is scheduled for June 26, 2026 at Lumen Field in Seattle.
  • The matchup features Egypt and Iran, where homosexuality is criminalized, with Iran allowing penalties up to death and Egypt using morality laws against LGBTQ+ people.
  • Organizers say the designation was planned before the draw as a host-city initiative by Seattle and Washington state to foster an inclusive environment.
  • FIFA has indicated it does not plan to reschedule the game despite the controversy.
  • The move revives memories of inclusion disputes at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including the blocked OneLove armband.