2026 World Cup To Host ‘Pride Match’ Featuring Two Countries That Criminalize Being Gay
Nothing says LGBT pride like a “Pride Match” featuring two countries that criminalize homosexuality.
Seattle will host a match between Egypt and Iran during the FIFA World Cup on June 26. The match is being designated as the official “Pride Match” of the global tournament during Seattle’s Pride weekend. Egypt and Iran were selected over the weekend for the June 26 match at Lumen Field. The “Pride Match” isn’t affiliated or endorsed by FIFA.
That these two countries are the participants in the “Pride Match” seems satirical, considering the optics. Many have rightly concluded that you could not pick two worse teams to participate in such a match.
In Egypt, if someone is caught engaging in homosexual activity, it’s punishable with up to three years in prison, and they may be forced to pay a hefty fine, according to Human Rights Watch.
In Iran, capital punishment remains the maximum penalty for homosexuality under the law, the organization also reports.
Qatar, another country that outlaws homosexuality, is also scheduled to play in Seattle for the 2026 World Cup. Qatar hosted the renowned soccer tournament in 2022, where European teams came under fire for Pride-themed armbands. The bands ultimately weren’t worn during the matches after FIFA threatened to penalize players for wearing the symbolic accessory.
RELATED: World Cup Teams Back Down On Rainbow Armbands After FIFA Threats
SeattleFWC26, the Seattle committee putting pride in the World Cup, calls inclusion Seattle’s “greatest strength.”
“We have a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact. One that educates the world, inspires our LGBTQ+ community, and uplifts LGBTQ+ businesses and cultural organizations,” the local organizing committee states.
Seattle hosts one of the country’s largest Pride celebrations, so there is no doubt there will be a clash of cultures when Egypt, Iran, and Qatar come to town next June.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson doesn’t seem too concerned about the participants in the “Pride Match.”
“With matches on Juneteenth and Pride, we get to show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome,” she said.
President Donald Trump criticized the new mayor last month during a World Cup press briefing in the Oval Office, calling Wilson’s policies more extreme than socialism.
“If we think there’s going to be a sign of any trouble, I would ask Gianni [FIFA President Gianni Infantino] to move that to a different city. We have a lot of cities that would love to have it number one, and will do it very safely,” Trump said.
Host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are all across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The first match is set for June 11 in Mexico City.
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