rights
The World Cup "Pride Match" will go on despite fury from FIFA & both participating teams
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 26, 2026
· 4 min read
An unlikely pair of countries, Iran and Egypt, are competing Friday night in what's been billed as the 2026 World Cup "Pride Match" in Seattle. Neither nation's government recognizes LGBTQ+ rights. And FIFA, the World Cup's governing body, is denying there's a "Pride Match" at all. Related The Pride
Key takeaway And FIFA, the World Cup's governing body, is denying there's a "Pride Match" at all.
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An unlikely pair of countries, Iran and Egypt, are competing Friday night in what's been billed as the 2026 World Cup "Pride Match" in Seattle. Neither nation's government recognizes LGBTQ+ rights. And FIFA, the World Cup's governing body, is denying there's a "Pride Match" at all. Related The Pride
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .