Iran vs. Egypt
Seattle insists on Pride game at the World Cup – despite controversial encounter
Seattle is planning a Pride game at the 2026 World Cup in the USA. The organizers are not deterred by the fact that two countries are competing in which there are massive grievances in this regard.
The World Cup organizers in the US city of Seattle want to keep one of their games focused on the LGBTQ+ community – even if Iran and Egypt meet in the game. “We have no influence on what happens on the field or in the stadium – that’s up to Fifa. What we can influence, however, is how Seattle welcomes the world during the Pride weekend,” said Hana Tadesse from the city’s World Cup organizers to the German Press Agency when asked.
“Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community and culture is an essential part of what makes our city so special, and we look forward to sharing that with the world,” said Tadesse. “The Pride Match is an initiative of the local organizing committee and not a FIFA program,” emphasized Tadesse. Democrat Katie Wilson, the city’s elected mayor, also supports the project.
The plans for the so-called Pride Match were already made before the exact encounter on June 26, 2026 was decided. The fact that Iran and Egypt are now meeting each other has caused a stir.
Fuss over “One Love” captain’s armband in Qatar
According to the Foreign Office, homosexual acts are punishable in Iran and sometimes even carry the death penalty. In Egypt, there are criminal offenses “to protect morals or religion,” under which homosexuality can also be punished.
The English abbreviation LGBTQI+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex people – and the plus sign and the asterisk are placeholders for other identities and genders. Pride weekend commemorates June 28, 1969, when there were protests by the LGBTQI+ community against police discrimination in New York. The event is seen as a turning point in the fight for equality.
FIFA did not initially respond to a request. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar there was a stir about the “One Love” captain’s armband, which Germany also wanted to wear. The band had a color similar to the rainbow flag and was intended to stand as a symbol against discrimination and for diversity. Shortly before the start of the tournament, FIFA banned the teams from wearing this armband and threatened sporting sanctions.
Tadesse said the goal of the Seattle program is to promote Pride celebrations, including themed public artwork by local artists, community programs intentionally aimed at strengthening the Washington state community and supporting LGBTQ+ businesses.
DPA
lw
Keep reading
