Amidst escalating controversy ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the United States city of Seattle is proceeding with plans to host a “Pride” celebration during a match between Iran and Egypt. According to reports, the local organizing committee had scheduled the Pride event in advance, without prior knowledge of which national teams would be competing on that specific date.
Official representatives from both nations, having lodged formal protests with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), have publicly condemned the initiative. This diplomatic move underscores the profound cultural and legal divide, given that in Iran, homosexual acts are punishable by death, while in Egypt, they are subject to imprisonment.
Seattle’s Defiant Stance
Addressing the international dispute, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson held a press conference on Tuesday, firmly reiterating the city’s commitment. “This event holds immense significance here in Seattle,” Wilson stated, emphasizing the city’s role as a host for one of the largest Pride celebrations in the United States. Expressing both pride and enthusiasm for holding a match during the Pride weekend, she added, “We will celebrate in a big way, and I believe our residents are eagerly looking forward to it. We also hope the fans will enjoy it.”
When questioned by the Spanish newspaper “Mundo Deportivo” about whether FIFA had raised any objections to the Pride match, Mayor Wilson responded, “To my knowledge, there is no issue.” The Group Stage encounter between the two national teams, both drawn in Group 7 of the tournament, is set to take place at Lumen Field in Seattle on Friday, June 26 (early hours of Saturday).