Iran Coach Avoids Pride Talk Before Egypt World Cup Game
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei declined to engage with questions regarding Seattle’s Pride Match celebrations, stating that his squad’s sole focus is football ahead of Saturday’s World Cup encounter with Egypt.
The match has been labelled a Pride Match by local organizers because it occurs on the Friday before Seattle’s Pride Weekend, which highlights diversity and the LGBTQ+ community. A range of Pride‑themed activities — including drag shows, watch parties and the display of rainbow flags inside the stadium — are planned, even though both Iran and Egypt criminalise homosexuality.
Speaking ahead of the 04:00 BST kickoff, Ghalenoei dismissed the topic, saying, “We are here to play football, not for other things. As for matters that are forbidden in our religion and do not exist, we do not want to talk about them. We only discuss the match, football and the beauty of the game.”
Egypt’s representatives also sidestepped the Pride discussion during their pre‑match media obligations, keeping the conversation firmly on the upcoming fixture.
Seattle organisers clarified that the timing of the Pride Match was unrelated to the teams drawn. They noted that Pride Weekend had been scheduled long before the tournament bracket paired Iran with Egypt.
Hedda McLendon of Seattle’s World Cup organising committee told the BBC, “We’re thrilled. It might not reflect how you live or how things are in your country, but this is what makes us unique. We want you to experience it and be curious.” She added that the celebration would proceed regardless of which nations were involved, aiming to showcase both football and Seattle’s inclusive culture rather than provoke visiting teams.
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