Overview
- Seattle’s local committee designated the June 26, 2026 Egypt–Iran game a Pride-themed day before the World Cup draw and says celebrations will occur outside Lumen Field.
- SeattleFWC26 said it is moving forward with community programming in partnership with LGBTQ+ groups, noting the effort is not affiliated with FIFA and is focused on citywide events.
- Egypt’s football association sent FIFA a formal letter rejecting any pro-LGBTQ activities at the match, and Iran’s federation filed an objection calling the plan unreasonable.
- Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj said the issue will be raised at a FIFA Council meeting in Qatar next week, while FIFA has declined public comment so far.
- Rights groups note same-sex relations carry severe penalties in Iran and are prosecuted under morality laws in Egypt, reviving scrutiny of FIFA’s stance after the 2022 Qatar armband dispute.