This might not come as a surprise to you, but the two Muslim nations, Egypt and Iran, picked to play what’s been called a “Pride Match” in the 2026 World Cup games are not pleased about it, given their staunch anti-gay stance.
As my RedState colleague Teri Christoph reported earlier this week, Seattle was thrilled to announce their city will host the FIFA World Cup soccer match, which will take place smack dab in the middle of the city’s annual Pride Week festivities.
Christoph wrote:
Iran and Egypt landed in Group G, and, as it turns out, the privilege of playing in the "Pride Match" being hosted in Seattle during the city's Pride Week. The game, which is scheduled for June 26, 2026 at Lumen Field, was planned before the draw took place, so it was just dumb luck that two Muslim nations that don't exactly embrace homosexuality and transgenderism were selected to participate.
READ MORE: The World Has Spoken: Trump Honored With Only Peace Prize That Really Matters After Nobel Snub
Well, This Is Awkward: Two Muslim Nations Will Be Facing Off at World Cup 'Pride Match'
A spokesperson for the Seattle Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC) 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.”
Seattle’s Mayor-elect Kate Wilson couldn’t have been more thrilled either.
"With matches on Juneteenth and pride, we get to show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome," Wilson wrote on social media. "What an incredible honor!"
SEE: President Trump Hailed As Peacemaker As Congo and Rwanda Embrace a New Accord
U.S. Men's Soccer Team Debuts Ridiculously Woke New Logo for World Cup
But Egypt is not thrilled with their draw, and the federation issued a statement to FIFA that this will not stand, per the Associated Press.
Seattle’s World Cup Pride Match causing controversy as Egypt, Iran rebel https://t.co/9ppQMOScOb pic.twitter.com/HSCa27zh3W
— New York Post (@nypost) December 10, 2025
In the letter to FIFA, the Egyptian federation said it is "categorically rejecting any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match."
The Egypt federation led by Hany Ado Rida, said of the pride celebration it "completely rejects such activities, which directly contradict the cultural, religious and social values in the region, especially in Arab and Islamic societies."
Iran has yet to issue a letter to the federation, but did make it clear that it planned to address the issue at a FIFA Council meeting next week in Qatar.
The AP report added:
In Iran, where gays and lesbians can face the death penalty, the president of Iran's Football Federation Mehdi Taj criticized scheduling the match during an interview aired on state television late Monday
"Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point," Taj said.
The report added:
It urged FIFA to stop the celebration to "avoid activities that may trigger cultural and religious sensitivity between the presented spectators of both countries, Egypt and Iran, especially as such activities contradict the cultures and religions of the two countries."
When asked about the anger from the two nations, Seattle’s FIFA organizing committee said it would be "moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament."
"The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation's largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we're hosting in Seattle," Hana Tadesse said in a statement. "We're committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region."
So, we will keep an eye on what happens in that meeting and report back. I am predicting there is zero chance Seattle folds. This should be fun to watch.
Editor’s Note: Do you enjoy RedState’s conservative reporting that takes on the radical left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.
Join RedState VIP and use the promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership!
Join the conversation as a VIP Member