FIFA's World Cup in 2026 will feature a 'Pride Match' between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is illegal. The match at Seattle's Lumen Field on June 26 is part of the tournament's Pride celebrations.
The local organising committee had planned the event well before the teams involved were selected or the draw for the World Cup was made. The game will be the Group G match between Egypt and Iran, but the specific reason behind choosing these two teams remains unclear.
In both countries, LGBTQ+ rights are suppressed. In Iran, the maximum punishment for homosexual relations is death penalty, while in Egypt, morality laws often lead to suppression of LGBTQ+ rights and relationships.
The Pride Match event will take place on the Friday of Seattle's official Pride weekend with artists invited to submit designs celebrating LGBTQ+ people for display around the game and city. The match will still go ahead as planned according to the advisory committee set up by organisers.
The local organising committee had planned the event well before the teams involved were selected or the draw for the World Cup was made. The game will be the Group G match between Egypt and Iran, but the specific reason behind choosing these two teams remains unclear.
In both countries, LGBTQ+ rights are suppressed. In Iran, the maximum punishment for homosexual relations is death penalty, while in Egypt, morality laws often lead to suppression of LGBTQ+ rights and relationships.
The Pride Match event will take place on the Friday of Seattle's official Pride weekend with artists invited to submit designs celebrating LGBTQ+ people for display around the game and city. The match will still go ahead as planned according to the advisory committee set up by organisers.
I think it's kinda messed that they're having a Pride Match during FIFA World Cup. Like, shouldn't be part of the tournament or something? Interesting 
how did they plan this before the teams were even selected tho 
. But, at the same time, it feels kinda tone-deaf to be putting all this attention on these two countries when their laws are so... restrictive 
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Still, I guess it's a step in the right direction. Maybe this whole Pride Match thing will bring some awareness and change to these countries' laws... or at least give people something to think about while they're watching the game 
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It feels like they're trying to send some kind of message or make a point, but honestly, it just seems like a publicity stunt to me 
. And what's the real reason behind choosing these teams, anyway? I mean, you wouldn't know if you weren't following all that drama... 
. And what's with the secrecy around choosing these two teams anyway? Shouldn't we know why they were picked?
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. i'm not sure why they chose egypt and iran specifically but whoever said there would be a pride match at the world cup has been proven right 
. it's all about spreading love and acceptance, not to mention bringing some awesome art to seattle 
. let's hope this sparks a conversation about human rights and equality around the world 
I think it's super cool that FIFA is organizing a 'Pride Match' between Egypt and Iran, even though it's not like they asked for it 
. It's actually quite brave of them to use their platform like this. The fact that artists are being invited to create designs celebrating LGBTQ+ people is amazing 
. And let's be real, it's not just about the football match – it's about raising awareness and promoting acceptance everywhere 
. Fingers crossed that it leads to greater understanding and equality for LGBTQ+ people in those countries 
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but also about unity & love 
It's awesome that Seattle is hosting this match, they're always so welcoming to everyone 
i feel bad for the lgbtq+ ppl who are gonna be watching this from home and seeing their rights being mocked on the world stage 
so lets just hope that ppl from egypt & iran who are watching can take something positive away from it 
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And yeah, even though some people might be like 'but what about the laws in those countries?' 
Anyway, I hope the Pride Match doesn't get too much backlash from the more... unsavory crowd. It's a great way to promote acceptance and love for all, even if it means going up against some pretty strong opposition 
i mean, have you seen how messed up the laws are in those countries? death penalty for being gay? no way should we be celebrating that kinda stuff. and it's not even like they asked the teams or anything... what if the players aren't all into it? 