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News
- 6 Dec 2025
FIFA face diplomatic tension over World Cup 'Pride Match'
Martin Macdonald
- 8 Dec 2025 05:00 CST
- 9 min read
Nieuws
FIFA find themselves in an extremely awkward situation regarding the implementation of a designated 'Pride Match' at the 2026 World Cup.
The World Cup will take place next summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico and many of the matches will take place in LGBTQ-friendly cities, such as Seattle.
Before the draw took place, Seattle decided to make one of their assigned group stage fixtures a 'Pride Match' to coincide with Pride celebrations throughout the city.
The official World Cup Seattle site explained: “With hundreds of thousands of visitors and millions of viewers tuning into Seattle during Pride Weekend, we are presented with a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. This moment allows us to educate the world, inspire our LGBTQ+ community, and uplift LGBTQ+ businesses and cultural organizations.”
Seattle’s Pride Weekend traditionally takes place during the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in June.
One issue has since developed since that announcement, however.
The draw for the group stage was made in Washington D.C. last Friday and this 'Pride Match' will now feature Egypt and Iran.
Both of these nations have stringent anti-gay laws.
According to the Human Dignity Trust's profile of Iran: "Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Penal Code 2013, which criminalises acts of ‘livat’, ‘tafkhiz’, ‘musaheqeh’, and other intimate acts. These provisions carry a maximum penalty of death. Both men and women are criminalised under this law.
"These provisions have their origins in Islamic law, with Iran adopting a criminal code based upon Sharia principles. While same-sex acts have historically been criminalised in Iran and its predecessor states, there is evidence that they were largely tolerated until the 1979 Revolution.
"There is significant evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBT people being frequently subject to arrest, which can result in the imposition of the death penalty. There have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence being committed against LGBT people in recent years, including murder, assault, harassment, denial of basic rights and services."
The profile of Egypt reads: "Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Penal Code 1937 and Law 10/1961, which criminalises acts of ‘indecency’, ‘scandalous acts’, and ‘debauchery’. These provisions carry a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine. The local advocacy group Bedayaa reports that, in reality, some are convicted to up to six years in prison. Only men are criminalised under this law.
"These laws do not explicitly criminalise same-sex sexual activity but have been enforced, to varying degrees, against the LGBT community in recent decades. The provisions are of colonial origin, and their vagueness has allowed them to be applied to same-sex sexual activity over time.
"There is substantial evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBT people being frequently subject to arrest, especially since 2013 following an incident in which a pride flag was raised at a concert (see below). Police use a number of methods to arrest gay men, including using dating apps and social media to entrap them. Although arrests frequently result in conviction, reports suggest a high proportion are acquitted on appeal.
"There have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence being committed against LGBT people in Egypt, including abuse, harassment, forced anal examinations, and the forced payment of bribes."
A source from the Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC) told OutSports that the event will go ahead with the Pride theme as planned.
“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," they said.
“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.”
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