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Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in Seattle's World Cup 'Pride Match' <p>Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive countries for gays and lesbians. This World Cup, they will square off in a “Pride Match” in Seattle.</p>

Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in Seattle's World ... Now 61° Thu 77° Fri 80° byAndrew Destin, AP Sports Writer SEATTLE —Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive places in the world for gays and lesbians But by sheer coincidence, they will square off in a World Cup “Pride Match” in Seattle, coinciding with the city's annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. It has already gotten awkward, with both countries asking for the celebrations to be canceled. FULL WORLD CUP COVERAGE HERE Iran, where same-sex relations are illegal and gay men have been executed on sodomy charges, had separately asked that its games be moved out of the United States because of the war in the Middle East, a request denied by FIFA. Egypt has arrested and prosecuted gays and lesbians based on vague indecency laws and has cracked down on any outward expressions of Pride, especially the waving of rainbow flags. Those will be out in abundance during the June 26 match and the typically boisterous parades just outside the stadium. Both countries complained to FIFA in December. Egypt’s football association said it “categorically rejects holding any activities related to supporting (ho…

Iran and Egypt will meet in Seattle's World Cup 'Pride Match' Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in Seattle's World Cup 'Pride Match' Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in Seattle's World Cup 'Pride Match' DIFFERENT. YEAH. STEVE, IF YOU LOOKED AT THAT FOOTAGE ABOUT HALF AN HOUR AGO, YOU WOULD HAVE SEEN OUR NEWS CAR IN THE MIDST OF THAT TRAFFIC. IT TOOK US ALMOST 2.5 HOURS TO GET HERE TODAY. WHEN I WAS HERE JUST A WEEK AGO, IT WAS AN HOUR AND 20 MINUTES. THAT LAST MILE STRETCH BEFORE BOSTON STADIUM IS WHAT TOOK THE LONGEST. WE ACTUALLY JUST HAD TIME TO GET TO THE MEDIA LOT BEFORE THIS LIVE HIT. THAT’S WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW. THERE ARE SOME FANS TAILGATING BEHIND US WHO WE SPOKE TO. AND YOU KNOW WHAT? THIS TRAFFIC, IT DIDN’T SEEM TO GET ANY SPIRITS DOWN. IT’S A ROCK. AND NORWAY TONIGHT. TWO TEAMS WHO HAVEN’T BEEN TO THE WORLD CUP IN DECADES, AND FANS ARE CERTAINLY MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME. IRAQ LAST QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD CUP IN 86. NORWAY’S LAST APPEARANCE WAS 1998, SO THERE’S A LOT TO BE EXCITED ABOUT. NORWAY IS FAVORED IN THIS MATCH TONIGHT, BUT NO MATTER THE OUTCOME, FANS ARE HERE FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND SOME AMERICAN TAILGATING. BUT WE LIKE PARK SOMEWHERE AND THEN GO…

World Cup: 'Pride Match' sparks objections in Egypt and Iran Friday night's game in Seattle was designated as a "Pride Match" well ahead of the World Cup draw. The fixture list then threw up Egypt vs. Iran, two countries in which homosexuality is criminalized.

Culture clash: Anti-LGBTQ Iran, Egypt can't stop rainbow flags at World ... TheFIFA World Cup 2026match betweenEgyptandIranoffers a reminder that not every nation embraces Pride Month. The men’s soccer teams from the two Muslim nations square off at 8 p.m. Friday atSeattle Stadiumfor what the local organizing committee has deemed the Pride Match, the official kickoff to Pride Weekend, has ignited a cultural conflict over homosexuality. Representatives forIranandEgyptraised objections to the match’s branding after the schedule was announced in December, expressing opposition to LGBTQ-related festivities during the game and asking FIFA to intervene. The Egyptian Football Association said in a statement that “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,EgyptandIran, especially since such activities are culturally and religiously incompatible with the two countries.” IranandEgyptare regarded as two of the world’s most repressive countries for gays and lesbians. Same-sex relations are illegal inIran, whileEgypthas prosecuted homosexu…

FIFA Allows Rainbow Flags At 'Pride Match' Despite ... - Forbes Breaking Business Breaking News Iran-Egypt World Cup ‘Pride Match’ Kicks Off Friday: Here’s What We Know By Zachary Folk , Forbes Staff. I cover breaking news. Follow Author Jun 25, 2026, 01:58pm EDT Topline FIFA will let Seattle host its planned “Pride Match” on Friday, celebrating the city’s LGBTQ Pride Week that coincides with the 2026 World Cup—even though both participants Egypt and Iran impose harsh legal penalties for homosexuality in their countries. The upcoming match will take place in Seattle. Getty Images Key Facts In a statement sent to multiple outlets , FIFA said the World Cup is an “inclusive event ⁠that welcomes people from all backgrounds,” adding it would permit the display of “general statements of human rights, ​including rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity.” Both the Egyptians and Iranians have protested the match, with the Egyptian National Football Team issuing a statement in December “categorically rejecting any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match.” In a separate statement sent to The Athletic , the Iranian team said “no…

Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in Seattle's World Cup 'Pride ... MYNORTHWEST NEWS Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in Seattle’s World Cup ‘Pride Match’ Jun 17, 2026, 10:50 AM Marchers with the Greater Seattle Business Association, Washington State's LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce, hold rainbow letters spelling out "Seattle," during the annual Seattle Pride Parade, June 25, 2023, in Seattle. (Photo: Lindsey Wasson, AP) (Photo: Lindsey Wasson, AP) BY ANDREW DESTIN, ASSOCIATED PRESS Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive places in the world for gays and lesbians. But by sheer coincidence, they will square off in a World Cup “Pride Match” in Seattle, coinciding with the city’s annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community . It has already gotten awkward , with both countries asking for the celebrations to be canceled. Iran, where same-sex relations are illegal and gay men have been executed on sodomy charges, had separately asked that its games be moved out of the United States because of the war in the Middle East , a request denied by FIFA. Egypt has arrested and prosecuted gays and lesbians on the basis of vague indecency laws and has cracked down on an…

A ‘pride match’ between Iran and Egypt — and Washington state’s gay leaders couldn’t be happier about it The state’s top lawmakers see the World Cup game as a global megaphone and blueprint for a campaign against transgender ballot measures.

Seattle's World Cup 'Pride Match' will feature Iran and Egypt | AP News Marchers with the Greater Seattle Business Association, Washington State’s LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce, hold rainbow letters spelling out “Seattle,” during the annual Seattle Pride Parade, June 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File) SEATTLE (AP) — Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive places in the world for gays and lesbians. But by sheer coincidence they will square off in aWorld Cup“Pride Match” in Seattle coinciding with the city’s annual celebration of theLGBTQ+ community. It hasalready gotten awkward, with both countries asking for the celebrations to be canceled. Iran, where same-sex relations are illegal andgay men have been executedon sodomy charges, had separately asked that its games be moved out of the United States because ofthe war in the Middle East, a request denied by FIFA. Egypt hasarrested and prosecuted gays and lesbianson the basis of vague indecency laws, and has cracked down on any outward expressions of Pride, especiallythe waving of rainbow flags. Those will be out in abundance during the June 26 match and the typically boisterous parades just outsi…

How a World Cup match scheduled in Seattle has caused outrage in Egypt ... The FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed at Lumen Field on July 28, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. Alika Jenner/FIFA/Getty Images Soccer Africa The Middle East LGBTQ issues See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow Long before the World Cup draw was even made, local organizers in Seattle had earmarked a FIFA World Cup match in the city as a chance to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. But now, the two teams involved in the game – Iran and Egypt – have objected to any such celebrations taking place around the stadium. It’s fast becoming yet another flashpoint ahead of next year’s already controversial World Cup and one which is likely to test FIFA’s credentials again. Here is everything we know so far. What is the ‘Pride Match’? Seattle is one of the 16 host cities for next year’s World Cup. Earlier this year, local organizers had decided that the match at Lumen Field on June 26 was to be included in Pride celebrations, due to it falling at the start of Seattle’s Pride Weekend. The concept was to host activities, such as an art competition, which celebrate “creativity, inclusion, and the …

Seattle World Cup: Egypt, Iran finish in draw after go-ahead goal is ... By Seattle Times staff The focus outside of Seattle Stadium before Egypt and Iran played in the fourth of six FIFA Men’s World Cup matches in Seattle wasn’t entirely on the teams meeting on the pitch . But a third straight Seattle sellout crowd was treated to a 1-1 draw bookended by a fast-paced beginning and chaotic ending, during which Iran, needing to win to keep playing in the World Cup, appeared to have scored the go-ahead goal to advance before it was overturned by VAR for offsides . Friday’s game was designated as a “Pride Match” by Seattle’s local organizing committee to kick off the city’s Pride celebrations this weekend. As the match approached, groups of political protesters criticizing and supporting the Islamic Regime have gathered near Occidental Square and made their way to the stadium, mixing with soccer fans . Protests continued outside the stadium after the match started, and fans were told not to display Iranian lion-and-sun flags . Egypt and Iran pushed back against being associated with the match because same-sex relationships are criminalized in both countries. Pride flags appeared somew…

Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in 'Pride Match' Sign in Welcome! Log into your account Forgot your password? Get help Create an account Create an account Welcome! Register for an account A password will be e-mailed to you. Password recovery Recover your password A password will be e-mailed to you. SPORTS Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in ‘Pride Match’ By: Agencies Date: June 18, 2026 Share post: WhatsApp Facebook X ReddIt Telegram Linkedin Seattle (USA), June 17: Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive places in the world for gays and lesbians. But by sheer coincidence they will square off in a World Cup “Pride Match” in Seattle coinciding with the city’s annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. It has already gotten awkward, with both countries asking for the celebrations to be cancelled. In Iran same-sex relations are illegal and gay men have been executed on sodomy charges. Egypt has prosecuted gays and lesbians, and has cracked down on any outward expressions of Pride, especially the waving of rainbow flags. Those will be out in abundance during the match and the typically boisterous parades just outside the stadium. (AP) Previous article NZ’s Tyle…

Rainbow flags dot World Cup’s Seattle ‘Pride Match’ played between Egypt and Iran <p>Countries' governments protested to FIFA about LGBTQ theme, and there was little reference to Pride on the field itself, disappointing some fans</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/rainbow-flags-dot-world-cups-seattle-pride-match-played-between-egypt-and-iran/">Rainbow flags dot World Cup&#8217;s Seattle &#8216;Pride Match&#8217; played between Egypt and Iran</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com">The Times of Israel</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://static-cdn.toi-media.com/www/uploads/2026/06/AP26178104911777-e1782542398217-1024x640.jpg" title="Rainbow flags dot World Cup&#8217;s Seattle &#8216;Pride Match&#8217; played between Egypt and Iran" border="0" width="160" height="100" class="type:primaryImage"></figure>

World Cup match dedicated to Pride will feature two nations where ... ByMIKE KEEGAN, CHIEF SPORTS REPORTER Published:04:59 EDT, 8 December 2025|Updated:05:06 EDT, 8 December 2025 229 Viewcomments A dedicated Pride match at the World Cup will feature two countries in which homosexuality is illegal. On June 26, Seattle will kick-off Pride weekend, and the city had designated the fixture at Lumen Field as its ‘Pride Match’. However, thanks to Friday’s draw and Saturday’s scheduling, the game will see Egypt face Iran, nations which both have strong anti-LGBTQ laws. Some believe the pairing in the famously liberal city may actually prove beneficial, given that gay fans from each country will be able to attend, celebrate their sexuality and not be prosecuted for doing so. However, it may have presented a tricky diplomatic situation for FIFA officials. In both countries, same-sex relationships are criminalised. The death penalty is among punishments in Iran while in Egypt theLGBTQ+ community has faced repeated crackdowns and arrest, according to various human rights groups. In a statement to Outsports, Seattle’s Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC), indicated that they would pr…

Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in Seattle's World ... - KUOW News & Stories Sports Iran and Egypt will meet, uncomfortably, in Seattle’s World Cup ‘Pride Match’ Associated Press June 17, 2026 / 12:14 pm FILE - Mac Weatherill, left, and Yexara Colón Martinez, second from left, hold transgender pride fans as they help carry a large rainbow flag on their fourth anniversary during the annual Seattle Pride Parade, June 25, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, file) SEATTLE (AP) — Egypt and Iran are two of the most repressive places in the world for gays and lesbians. But by sheer coincidence they will square off in a World Cup “Pride Match” in Seattle coinciding with the city's annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. It has already gotten awkward, with both countries asking for the celebrations to be canceled. RELATED : Egypt and Iran object to playing in a Seattle 'Pride' match in next year's World Cup Iran, where same-sex relations are illegal and gay men have been executed on sodomy charges, had separately asked that its games be moved out of the United States because of the war in the Middle East, a request denied by FIFA. Egypt has arrested and prosecuted gays…

Seattle 'Pride Match' set for same day as Iran-Egypt World Cup game WORLD CUP Men's World Cup Add Topic Seattle 'Pride Match' moves forward despite objections from Iran, Egypt Josh Peter USA TODAY Updated June 25, 2026, 6:55 p.m. ET Hear this story The World Cup soccer match between Iran and Egypt in Seattle Friday, July 26 has created tension, which was captured the day before the scheduled kickoff. A woman born and raised in Iran made a public statement that once could have gotten her jailed, or worse. “My name is Bookda Gheisar and in my professional life I work at the Port of Seattle,’’ she said, “and for my personal life I am an Iranian American lesbian who's worked in Seattle for over 30 years… “I came to the US as a young person and came out as a lesbian about four decades ago.’’ Gheisar spoke at a press conference hosted by SeattleFWC26, the local organizing committee for the World Cup involved in more than soccer. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Iran and homosexuality is treated illegal in Egypt. Their soccer match will coincide with the start of the annual Seattle Pride Weekend that started more than 50 years ago. The match between Iran and Egypt will also coincide…