The international federation launched a campaign promoting inclusion for the match in Seattle, despite the fact that both countries condemn homosexuality
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In recent hours, FIFA has officially announced that the match between Egypt and Iran in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup will be identified as "The Pride Match." The decision is based on the selection of Seattle as the venue, since it is a city with a historically visible LGBTQ+ community, a pioneer in activism and inclusion policies within the United States, especially in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
The contrast, however, is inevitable. Both national teams featured in the match come from countries where homosexuality is not only unaccepted but can also lead to persecution and severe punishment. In Egypt, LGBTQ+ individuals are treated as ill and face the risk of sentences for any public expression of their orientation, while in Iran penalties can even escalate to death.
Egipto e Irán prohíben abiertamente todo lo relacionado al colectivo LGBT
"Our city is ready, the fans are ready, and I can't wait!" wrote the city's newly elected mayor, Katie Wilson, in a surprising statement. "The FIFA World Cup is coming to Seattle, and we're excited to be part of the global celebration. With matches on Juneteenth and Pride, we can show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome. What an unbelievable honor!"
The measure was presented as a gesture to promote a "welcome" environment where everyone has their place, although the debate has already begun regarding the true scope of the message and whether inclusivity is genuinely respected.
This match will close Group G on June 27, 2026 at midnight (Argentina time). That same group also includes Belgium and New Zealand, who will face each other simultaneously in Vancouver. Seattle will also host five other World Cup matches, including one in the round of 32 and another in the round of 16.
