(Seattle, WA) — Iran and Egypt have complained after FIFA scheduled a World Cup match between the two nations in Seattle that will coincide with the city’s gay pride festival.
Seattle’s “PrideFest 2026,” is set to take place on June 27 and 28 immediately following the game.
The president of Iran’s Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, condemned the decision to use Seattle as a venue and the timing of the match.
He told Iranian state TV, “Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point.”
He said Iran would bring up the issue at a FIFA Council meeting in Qatar next week.
