Egypt, Iran protest Seattle World Cup Pride plans
The Egyptian Football Association and Iran’s sports minister objected to Pride‑weekend programming around their June 26, 2026 World Cup match in Seattle, with Egypt sending a formal letter asking FIFA to avoid activities that could “provoke cultural and religious sensitivities” and Iran saying it complained directly to FIFA. Seattle’s local organizing committee said it will proceed with Pride‑related community programming outside the stadium; FIFA did not immediately comment.
📌 Key Facts
- Egyptian FA issued a statement Dec. 9 rejecting LGBTQ‑support activities and sent a formal letter to FIFA.
- Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said on state TV Dec. 10 that Iran also complained to FIFA and would not make concessions on beliefs.
- SeattleFWC26 said it will continue Pride‑weekend community programming around the June 26 match; FIFA gave no immediate comment.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2025, Washington state has an estimated 0.17% of its population of Iranian descent, approximately 13,090 individuals.
Top 10 States | Percentage of Iranian Population in 2025 — Zip Atlas
In 2025, Washington state has an estimated 0.063% of its population of Egyptian descent, approximately 4,851 individuals.
States with the Highest Percentage of Egyptian Population — Zip Atlas
According to the 2022 World Values Survey in Iran, 3% of respondents consider homosexuality justifiable, while 90% do not.
Acceptance of homosexuality in Iran — Equaldex
The Seattle metro area grew faster than the U.S. average from 2020 to 2024, driven primarily by foreign immigration.
Seattle metro grows faster than U.S., driven by foreign immigration — Axios