International Objections to World Cup Match in Seattle
Officials from Egypt and Iran have formally protested the scheduling of a FIFA World Cup match in Seattle next June. The match coincides with planned Pride festivities by local organizers.
Cultural Context
Both countries hold conservative cultural views. Iran's legal framework includes penalties for same-sex sexual activity, potentially ranging from imprisonment to death. In Egypt, morality laws are utilized to prosecute individuals in same-sex relationships, and human rights groups have documented arrests and harassment.
Official Responses
The Egyptian Football Association issued a statement on Tuesday, rejecting 'any activities related to supporting homosexuality' during the June 26 match. The association sent a formal letter to FIFA, requesting measures 'to avoid including activities that could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities' among fans attending the game.
Iranian officials also voiced objections regarding their national team's participation. Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali stated on state television Wednesday, 'We make no concessions to anyone when it comes to our beliefs,' confirming that Iran had also filed a complaint with FIFA.
Local Organizers' Stance
In response, the local organizing group SeattleFWC26 stated its intention to proceed 'as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament.'
SeattleFWC26 spokesperson Hana Tadesse noted the region's diverse population, including significant Iranian-American and Egyptian communities. Tadesse affirmed the organization's commitment 'to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region.'
FIFA did not provide an immediate response to media inquiries.
World Cup Logistics and Seattle's Plans
FIFA manages the World Cup matches, while local organizing committees in host cities coordinate peripheral events and interact with local authorities and businesses. Organizers anticipate over 750,000 visitors in Seattle for the World Cup.
Seattle organizers have prioritized accessibility and inclusion for the city's World Cup events. The match aligns with Seattle's independently organized annual Pride festival. The SeattleFWC26 website characterizes hosting a match on Pride weekend as 'a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact.' Additionally, a match on June 19 between the U.S. and Australia is slated to include Juneteenth festivities.
Mayor-elect Katie Wilson posted on X after team selection, stating that hosting matches on Juneteenth and Pride weekend 'show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome.'
Match Assignments
Planning for the 2026 World Cup, including the June 26 Seattle match, has been ongoing for years. Team assignments for specific games were determined by a FIFA draw held recently. The June 26 match in Seattle was assigned to Iran and Egypt. Their groupmates, New Zealand and Belgium, are scheduled to play in Vancouver. Same-sex marriage is legal in both Belgium and New Zealand. FIFA did not respond to inquiries regarding a potential schedule alteration for these games.