Potential for an international incident during the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already shaping up after participants in Seattle’s designated “Pride Match” were announced.
(Video Credit: KING 5 Seattle)
The lacking logic of intersectionality has inanely manifested in recent years at Hamas-sympathizing rallies with the prevalence of so-called “Queers for Palestine.” Now, some of the most progressive proponents of the Intifada were granted the opportunity to learn what Islamists truly think of them as the terrorist-backing Iran joined the Muslim majority Egypt in complaining to FIFA about their head-to-head being deemed the “Pride Match.”
Given the North America-hosted World Cup’s timing, the June 26, 2026, match set to take place in Seattle, Washington, coincides with the Queen City’s “Pride” weekend, leading to its special designation before teams were slotted.
That reality did not negate the outrage from the competing teams as Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj expressed the “irrational” branding was “unreasonable conduct that supports a specific group.”
Likewise, a letter from the Egyptian Football Association to FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström indicated the organization “completely rejects such activities, which directly contradict cultural, religious and social values in the region, especially in Arab and Islamic societies.”
“The Egyptian Football Association categorically rejects these calls and demands that FIFA not allow any events or displays related to LGBTQ+ rights within the stadium on match day.”
Translation of the Egypt FA’s official statement to FIFA regarding the Seattle Organizing Committee’s designation of Egypt vs. Iran at #WorldCup2026 as “LGBTQ+ Pride Match.”
Meanwhile, Iran FA president Mehdi Taj said Tehran and Cairo were both raising objections to FIFA. https://t.co/6MvbE0PWWA pic.twitter.com/RLESg1XzOI
— Pharaohs XI 🇪🇬 (@PharaohsXI) December 9, 2025
As had been reported in 2022, American soccer journalist Grant Wahl was one of two sudden deaths of those covering the FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar. Prior to his passing, later deemed the result of an aortic aneurysm, Wahl had made a production of his temporary barred entry from the Al Thumama Stadium after he showed up wearing a rainbow-themed shirt and was told it was “not allowed.”
Among those who reacted to the incident, native academic Dr. Nayef bin Naher said, “As a Qatari, I’m proud of what happened. I don’t know when the Westerners will realize that their values aren’t universal. There are other cultures with different values that should be equally respected. Let’s not forget that the West is not the spokesperson for humanity.”
CBS reporter pulls virtue-signaling stunt when he wears rainbow shirt to World Cup, reports on the ‘ordeal’ https://t.co/iuyMYrt66c pic.twitter.com/u2lJDLyMDF
— BPR (@BIZPACReview) November 23, 2022
Similarly, players were barred from wearing “OneLove” armbands to show their solidarity with alphabet activists, and fans supporting England’s team against Iran were refused entry after they showed up to the match wearing garb of Crusaders bearing the Cross of St. George.
Wahl’s openly gay brother, Eric Wahl, reacted to the schedule by posting, “The Egypt v Iran match in Seattle in June just happens to be the Pride match, & I think that is a good thing, actually. (There are LGBTQAI+ people everywhere. All are welcome to be themselves in Seattle.” Which begs the question in response, “In a spirit of inclusivity, should the Egyptian and Iranian fans be their authentic selves?”
In a spirit of inclusivity, should the Eqyptian and Iranian fans be their authentic selves?
— ErikJohansson (@erikjjohansson) December 8, 2025
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
- Kyrsten Sinema hit with ‘homewrecker’ lawsuit over alleged affair with ex-bodyguard - January 17, 2026
- ‘Deranged’ CA man charged for alleged death threats against JD Vance during Disneyland visit - January 17, 2026
- Hannity destroys Indian-origin Dem who wants to abolish ICE: ‘You sat on your a**!’ - January 17, 2026
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.