A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers to be an LGBTQ+ ‘Pride Match’ will involve two countries with aggressive anti-gay laws
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated a ‘Pride Match’ by organisers will be played by two countries who have aggressive anti LGBTQ+ laws.
Next year’s summer tournament will see the first ever ‘Pride Match’ take place in Seattle’s Lumen Field on June 26 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The local organising committee in Seattle put the plans in place before the two teams involved in the fixture were known.
Following Friday’s draw and Saturday’s fixture allocation, it was confirmed that the game in Seattle will be the Group match between Egypt and Iran.
In Iran, the maximum punishment for homosexual relations is the death penalty. The Human Dignity Trust say there is evidence that this law was enforced in recent years.
While in Egypt, morality laws are often used to suppress LGBTQ+ rights and relationships. The African country has been accused of severe human rights abuse of members from those communities.
Regardless, Seattle’s Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC) say they will proceed with the game.
Artists in the Washington state have been invited to submit designs of artwork celebrating LGBTQ+ people for display around the city and game.
A spokesperson told Outsports: “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.
“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.”
Seattle PMAC member Eric Wahl, brother of late journalist Grant Wahl, who tragically died during the Qatar World Cup, said the decision and inclusion of Egypt and Iran is a “good thing.”
He posed on X: “The Egypt v Iran match in Seattle in June just happens to be the Pride match, & I think that is a good thing, actually.
“There are LGBTQAI+ people everywhere. All are welcome to be themselves in Seattle.”