It will take place in Seattle, one of the nation’s most progressive cities. They have labeled the game between Egypt and Iran as “Pride Match.”
By Catholics for Catholics
There will be many aspects of the upcoming 2026 World Cup that are expected to become historic.
In Seattle, two countries with some of the strictest laws against homosexuality, Egypt and Iran, will face-off in a game that critics say will be a match to remember. Local officials have declared that the game will be a “Pride Match” in honor of “Pride weekend” in that city (though the game belongs to FIFA, it is not named as “Pride Match” by soccer’s governing body).
The Daily Wire reported that these two nations who will play in the “Pride Match” seem satirical. Many have rightly presumed that you could not pick two worse teams to take part in such a match.
Seattle, one of the country’s most progressive cities, hosts one of the country’s largest Pride celebrations, so there is no doubt there will be a clash of cultures when Egypt, Iran, and Qatar come to town next June.
For example, in Egypt, if someone is found taking part in homosexual activity, it’s punishable with up to three years in prison, and they may be forced to pay a large penalty, according to Human Rights Watch.
“This is going to be interesting.”
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) December 9, 2025
Podcast host @Michele_Tafoya on Seattle’s World Cup ‘Pride Match,’ featuring Egypt and Iran, where homosexuality is illegal@KatrinaSzish @BobBrooks_NMX pic.twitter.com/H7HPqk1ZbI
On the other hand, in Iran, the top penalty for homosexuality under the law is capital punishment.
Another country that forbids homosexuality is Qatar, which is also scheduled to play in Seattle for the 2026 World Cup. Qatar was the host nation of the 22022 World Cup, where European teams were criticized for wearing Pride-themed armbands.
Pride bands were not sported during the matches after FIFA threatened to penalize players for wearing the symbolic accessory.
“We have a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact. One that educates the world, inspires our LGBTQ+ community, and uplifts LGBTQ+ businesses and cultural organizations,” the local organizing committee states.
Katie Wilsonm the mayor of Seattle, doesn’t seem too concerned about the teams in the “Pride Match.” “With matches on Juneteenth and Pride, we get to show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome,” she said.
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