A World Cup match hosted in Seattle in the summer of 2026 and billed as a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride will feature Egypt and Iran—two nations where homosexuality is all but illegal and queer communities face severe repression.

SeattleFWC26, the local organizing committee, emphasized that the Pride Match designation is independent and “not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA,” according to its website.

Newsweek reached out to the Seattle FWC26 committee for comment on Monday.

Why It Matters

The Group G fixture, set for June 26 at Lumen Field, was designated a “Pride Match” by Seattle’s local organizing committee well before the tournament draw. Timed to align with the city’s official Pride weekend, the event is intended to promote inclusion and visibility within the global football c

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