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When the full schedule was confirmed the next day, Vancouver was selected for New Zealand’s clash with Belgium, leaving Seattle with the awkward situation of its “Pride Match” featuring Egypt and Iran — two nations with atrocious LGBTQ human rights records.

Both Egypt and Iran criminalize gay relationships. In Iran, capital punishment is still the maximum penalty under the law.

According to the Human Dignity Trust, there is evidence in recent years of the enforcement of their respective laws in each of the two nations.

A match between countries that vociferously oppose Pride presents a complex scenario for Seattle organizers, who have set up a Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC) to “shape the communications, community activations, and cultural programming” for the festivities.

With Lumen Field hosting six World Cup fixtures in total, there might have been scope to alter the Pride Month plans.

However, the USMNT’s match with Australia on June 19 has already been designated to mark Juneteenth, while the other group matches in Seattle on June 15 and June 24 feature either Egypt or Qatar, which is another country that imprisons gay people.

There will also be a round-of-32 game featuring the winner of Group G at Lumen Field on July 1, and a last-16 match on July 6.

World Cup Pride Match with Egypt and Iran could be ‘good thing’

Despite the obvious challenges, Seattle FWC26 have indicated they will proceed with their plans for the Pride Match on June 26.

In a statement provided to Outsports, a spokesperson for the PMAC said: “The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country, and it was planned well in advance.

“It is a Host City–led expression of Seattle and Washington State’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone belongs: players, fans, residents, and visitors alike.

“Soccer has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. We are honored to host a Pride Match and to celebrate Pride as part of a global football community. This match reflects our ongoing commitment to respect, dignity, and unity for all.”

Eric Wahl, the brother of the late soccer journalist Grant Wahl, is a member of the Seattle PMAC. He is an advocate for public health and human rights, an out gay man, and a public speaker.

Following the fixture announcement, Wahl said on social media that the match-up of two countries where it is illegal to be gay is actually a “good thing” for the Pride Match.

City organizers do not want to pass up the opportunity to send out a strong message of welcome to LGBTQ people everywhere, having stated that with “hundreds of thousands of visitors and billions of viewers worldwide, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

Hedda McLendon is Seattle FWC26’s Senior Vice President of Legacy. She told Outsports that organizers are “working with small businesses so the region’s LGBTQ+-owned enterprises are ready to benefit from the tournament’s unprecedented visitor surge.”

Katie Wilson, the Democratic mayor-elect of Seattle who will assume office on Jan. 1, expressed similar hopes on social media after Saturday’s fixture confirmation. She referred to the Juneteenth and Pride themed matches, saying: “We get to show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome. What an incredible honor for our city!”

Last month, three finalists were announced for a Pride Match artwork competition, with the designs carried on the official SeattleFWC26 website.

Created by local artists from Washington State, the designs capture “Seattle’s identity as a diverse, inclusive community and a leader in LGBTQ+ rights,” according to organizers.

It is understood that the PMAC’s preparations are not being made in conjunction with FIFA. On a webpage carrying information about the Pride Match Design Contest, a disclaimer stated that the creation “is not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA.”

Plans to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month at a FIFA World Cup match are set to continue, even though the two countries selected for the fixture both have draconian anti-gay laws.

Seattle’s local organizing committee for World Cup 2026 has been preparing to stage a historic “Pride Match” at Lumen Field on June 26, the Friday of Pride Weekend. The themed fixture would be the first of its kind at a FIFA World Cup. The anniversary of the Stonewall riots is on June 28.

Friday’s tournament draw allocated the slot in the city’s schedule to one of two Group G games — New Zealand v Belgium, or Egypt v Iran.

The Pride Match would certainly stand in stark contrast to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where the “OneLove” armband in support of diversity was banned by FIFA, and where some LGBTQ fans and allies had rainbow-colored items confiscated by security forces.

A few were even temporarily detained and harassed while being questioned about the items, including Grant Wahl. The journalist was told by guards to remove his T-shirt at a stadium and later reported on his distressing experience.

In recent days, a coalition of groups and organizations including the Sport and Rights Alliance has raised serious concerns about FIFA’s approach to human rights at World Cup 2026, including on the issue of LGBTQ safety.

As part of this, Athlete Ally ambassador Matt Pacifici, a former pro goalkeeper with Columbus Crew who came out publicly as gay in 2019, has criticized FIFA’s lack of anti-discrimination messaging at last summer’s Club World Cup tournament in the U.S. and also called for “enforceable protections” for LGBTQ players and fans.

Outsports has approached FIFA for comment, but by the time of publication, no response had been received.