Seattle prepares for unlikely matchup as its World Cup Pride celebration: Egypt v Iran

S eattle’s World Cup committee is pushing forward with “Pride Match” celebrations this week despite backlash from Egypt and Iran, who have called for the cancellation of LGBTQ+ rights festivities around the game. Last year, Seattle’s local organizing committee, which is separate from Fifa, made plans for 26 June to be a Pride-themed match coinciding with the city’s annual Pride weekend. In December, Egypt and Iran were drawn to play each other on that date in Seattle, causing a swift firestorm and condemnation from the two countries. Egypt’s football association appealed to Fifa , saying it “categorically rejects any activities promoting LGBTQ during the match,” warning the events could “provoke cultural and religious sensitivities among fans”. Iran’s football federation was quoted suggesting the Pride designation was an “irrational move that supports a certain group”. In Iran, LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal , and Egypt has a history of prosecuting queer and trans people . Organizers with Seattle Fifa World Cup 26 (SeattleFWC26) said their plans will remain unchanged, with Pride match watch parties slated across Washington state, themed merchandise available to fans and a social media campaign celebrating LGBTQ+ locals. “Pride Match Day for us was always going to be bigger than the actual soccer match. It’s really a citywide celebration of visibility, belonging and community,” said Hedda McLendon, SeattleFWC26’s senior vice president of legacy. …