The Pride Match, set for June 26, 2026, in Seattle, aims to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities in Washington State in conjunction with the World Cup 2026. The organizing committee, SeattleFWC26, emphasizes the importance of this event, particularly given the anticipated global audience.

However, the match will feature teams from Iran and Egypt, both of which have laws that criminalize homosexuality and impose severe penalties for it. In response to the Pride Match designation, the football associations of both countries have formally objected to FIFA, the global governing body of soccer. They have requested the cancellation of any LGBTQIA+ events associated with the match, asserting that such displays conflict with the cultural, religious, and social values prevalent in their regions.

The Egyptian Football Association articulated that the Pride events would provoke sensitivities among fans in both Iran and Egypt. Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s Football Association, confirmed that Iran has also protested the Pride Match designation, with reports indicating that Iranian players will not participate in any displays of support for Pride, such as wearing rainbow armbands.

Despite the objections from these nations, Seattle's Pride Match Advisory Committee plans to proceed with the event during the city's Pride weekend. This committee operates independently of FIFA. A spokesperson for Seattle's FIFA World Cup committee clarified that the focus of the weekend's events would be on activities outside the stadium rather than during the match itself. The committee highlighted the importance of inclusivity, noting the diverse communities present in the Pacific Northwest, including significant Iranian and Egyptian populations.

The Pride Match is set to take place at Lumen Field, and the local organizing committee aims to use this opportunity to educate and uplift the LGBTQ+ community and associated businesses. This situation follows previous instances where FIFA threatened sanctions against European teams for wearing pride-themed armbands during the 2022 World Cup, ultimately leading to those teams opting not to proceed with their plans.