World Cup ‘Pride’ Match Featuring Countries Where Homosexuality is Illegal

Plans for the Seattle game to be a ‘Pride Match’ were established before it was revealed as the venue for Egypt v Iran, only after the World Cup draw. The local organising committee in Seattle decided that the game played at Lumen Field on June 26 will be a ‘Pride Match’ celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The draw unveiled that the match will be between Egypt and Iran, both nations where homosexuality is illegal. In Iran, homosexuality can be punished with the death penalty, and in Egypt, morality laws are used to suppress gay rights. The match is not organized by FIFA but by the local committee, and it will coincide with Seattle’s Pride weekend.