the Seattle Organizing Committee for the 2026 World Cup has confirmed that celebrations for “LGBTQ+ Pride Party” will proceed despite protests from Iran and Egypt. The two nations are scheduled to compete against each other on June 26th in Group G of the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The 2026 World Cup organizing Committee announced the Egypt and iran match will be dedicated to LGBTQ+ causes, coinciding with Seattle’s annual “Pride Weekend.”
“SeattleFWC26 continues to prepare, as planned, its program of events outside the stadium during Pride Weekend and throughout the tournament, in collaboration with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists and entrepreneurs,” stated Hana Tadesse, vice president of communications for the local organizing committee.
“Soccer has the unique power to unite people across borders,cultures and beliefs. The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the largest Iranian-American communities, a growing Egyptian diaspora and wealthy communities that represent all the teams we will host,” Tadesse added.
“We are committed to ensuring that all residents and visitors experience the warm welcome, respect and dignity that characterize our region,” concluded the organizing committee’s vice president of communications.
The match between Iran and Egypt was designated a “Pride Match” prior to the tournament draw. Seattle is also scheduled to host the New Zealand-Belgium matchup on the same day, also within Group G.
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