08 dec 2025, 12:39
Last updated: 08 Dec 2025, 12:45
June is not only the month in which the World Cup starts in Mexico, the United States and Canada, but it is also ‘pride month’ worldwide. One of the host cities therefore decided to organize a ‘pride competition’. It is now known between which two countries the pot will go.
Even before the draw, Seattle decided that the group match to be played in their city on June 26 would be all about ‘pride’.
The host city wanted to use the tournament’s spotlight during pride month to “promote inclusion, visibility and solidarity for fans of all identities.”
However, it has now become clear that Iran and Egypt will face off against each other on June 26 in Seattle. Two countries where the rights of LGBT people are under pressure.
“LGBTI people in Iran face widespread discrimination, live in constant fear of harassment, arrest and criminal prosecution, and are vulnerable to violence and persecution based on their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity,” Amnesty International said.
“Under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, same-sex sexual conduct is punishable by corporal punishment and the death penalty, even if consensual,” Amnesty said.
Iran and Egypt have so far not responded to the news from Seattle. FIFA has also not yet responded.
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