SEATTLE — A decision by Seattle's local World Cup organizing committee to brand the June 26, 2026 match as a "Pride Match" has sparked formal complaints from Egypt and Iran, the two countries scheduled to compete that day at Lumen Field.

SeattleFWC26, the local committee planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, designated the match to align with Seattle's Pride weekend celebrations. The branding was not created or endorsed by FIFA.

The controversy stems from last week's FIFA tournament draw, which selected Egypt and Iran to play on the same day Seattle had already planned Pride-themed programming. Homosexuality faces severe legal consequences in both countries. In Egypt, LGBTQ people risk arrest under morality laws, while Iran considers homosexuality illegal and punishable by death.

Both n

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