Seattle named its first World Cup Match on June 26, 2026, the Pride Match. The progressive city has planned numerous alphabet events. I’m sure the place will be drowned in pride flags, and people will show up in outlandish outfits.
Well, last week, at the FIFA tournament draw, Egypt and Iran were chosen to play in Seattle on that day.
Yeah…Egypt and Iran do not like the gays.
In Egypt, gays face arrest and prison for breaking the country’s morality laws.
Iran? Well, Iran will kill gays.
So, yeah, Egypt and Iran are furious.
Egypt demanded that FIFA cancel all events planned for the Pride Match. From the BBC:
The lengthy Egyptian FA statement claimed the initiative would clash with “the cultural, religious and social values” of Egypt and Iran, and urged Fifa to ensure the match would remain focused on football.It cited Fifa’s statutes on political and social neutrality, arguing matches should not be used to promote causes that are “sensitive or of a contentious nature”.The statement read: “The Egyptian Football Association explained in the letter that, while Fifa is committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all fans, and in order to maintain the spirit of unity and peace, it is necessary to avoid including activities that could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities between fans present from both countries, Egypt and Iran, especially since such activities are culturally and religiously incompatible with the two countries.”The federation also relied on Fifa’s established principle of respecting cultures and encouraging all parties to organise events in a way that respects the beliefs and identities of the participating communities.”Therefore, in order to ensure that the match is held in an atmosphere of respect and focus solely on the sporting aspect, the Egyptian Federation categorically rejects these calls and demands that Fifa not hold any events or performances related to supporting homosexuality inside the stadium on matchday.”
Iran as well. From NBC:
In Iran, where gays and lesbians can face the death penalty, the president of Iran’s Football Federation Mehdi Taj criticized scheduling the match during an interview aired on state television late Monday.Taj said Iran would bring up the issue during a FIFA Council meeting in Qatar next week. The longest-serving member of the 37-person council chaired by FIFA President Gianni Infantino is Egypt’s Hany Abo Rida.“Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point,” Taj said. State TV on Tuesday confirmed a complaint would be sent to FIFA.
SeattleFWC26, the committee planning the city’s World Cup, refuses to back down.
“Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs,” Vice President of Communications Hana Tadesse told KING 5. “The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle. We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region.”
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