Seattle local organizers designated the June 26, 2026, World Cup match between Egypt and Iran as a "Pride Match," prompting objections from both national soccer federations. The designation occurred before the participating teams for the World Cup draw were selected.

Egypt's Football Association urged FIFA to prevent any Pride-related activities during the match, stating that such events conflicted with the country's cultural and religious values. Iran's national soccer federation also filed an objection with FIFA regarding the Pride Match designation. Homosexuality is criminalized in Egypt, and same-sex relations can lead to the death penalty in Iran.

A FIFA spokesperson stated that the Pride Match is a host city initiative, separate from FIFA. Hedda McLendon, Senior Vice President of Legacy for the Seattle FIFA organizing committee, noted that the Pride celebration has been held during this specific weekend for over 50 years. "The World Cup is going to come and go in three weeks. The Pride celebration ... has happened on this weekend for 50-plus years. It is going to happen this weekend, it is going to happen long after the World Cup," McLendon said.

Jon Cairns, manager of the local LGBTQ+ club Kremwerk in Seattle, supported the initiative. "My reaction is let's have them," Cairns said. He added, "International sports is one of the biggest brokers historically of social change and individual rights and freedoms worldwide, including in the U.S." Cairns also said, "They're not going to turn off the World Cup on state television in Iran or Egypt to block out a Pride flag in the audience." Kremwerk will host a watch party for the match.

Homeria Backhtiari, an Iranian-American activist, is organizing a rally for Iranian Americans from Portland, Vancouver, and Los Angeles ahead of the match. The match between Egypt and Iran is Seattle's fourth and final group stage game of the World Cup.