FIFA’s World Cup Pride Match will feature Iran vs. Egypt

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Well, this could be awkward.

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FIFA unveiled its full schedule for the 2026 World Cup on Saturday — after having drawn the teams into groups during Friday’s star-studded ceremony — so now each country and fan base knows when and where to tune in next summer.

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However, one fixture in particular is sure to bring some controversy: Egypt vs. Iran.

The two countries will square off in a Group G matchup on June 26 at Lumen Field in Seattle in what had been pre-planned as a match to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month.

In a touch of irony, both Egypt and the Islamic Republic of Iran have harsh anti-gay laws in their countries.

According to Outsports, the two nations’ governments criminalize gay relationships and, in Iran, can even be punished by capital punishment.

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Seattle’s local organizing committee for the World Cup announced in September plans to celebrate Pride month at the June 26 game, which falls on the Friday of Pride Weekend and two days before the anniversary of the Stonewall riots – an event that marked a new beginning for the gay rights movement in the U.S. in 1969.

How this happened

After Friday’s draw put Egypt, Iran, Belgium and New Zealand together in Group G, it was possible that the Pride Match could have been the game between Belgium and New Zealand, which also falls on June 26. However, that matchup was set to take place in Vancouver at the same time as Egypt-Iran.

While there may have been plans to switch the Pride Match to different game that Seattle will be hosting, a June 19 game featuring Team USA already has been designated as a Juneteenth celebration and the other two group-stage matchups either feature Egypt or Qatar, which also has anti-gay laws.

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What the organizers say

The Pride Match Advisory Committee in Seattle has said that the event will go on as planned, despite the controversial countries drawn into the match.

“The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country and it was planned well in advance,” a spokesperson for PMAC told Outsports.

“It is a Host City-led expression of Seattle and Washington State’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone belongs: Players, fans, residents, and visitors alike.

“Soccer has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures and beliefs. We are honoured to host a Pride Match and to celebrate Pride as part of a global football community. This match reflects our ongoing commitment to respect, dignity and unity for all.”

FIFA did not reply to a request for comment from Outsports.

Seattle’s Pride Match will be the first of its type in World Cup history and comes after a wave of controversy over LGBTQ rights during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

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During the World Cup hosted by the Middle Eastern nation, the “OneLove” captain’s armband in support of diversity was banned by FIFA and some LGBTQ fans and allies had rainbow-coloured items confiscated by security forces.

American journalist Grant Wahl – who died days later in Qatar — was also told by security to remove his rainbow T-shirt at a stadium.

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