by Joe Siegel

The excitement over the 2026 World Cup games, which will be held June 11 through July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has received a range of coverage in LGBTQ media.

SGN (Seattle Gay News) published a May 19 story about Iran’s order that FIFA, soccer’s global authority, ban Pride flags from World Cup matches, including the Pride Match between Iran and Egypt to be hosted in Seattle on June 26.

“Iran and Egypt both publicly bristled when they were announced as the teams playing in the Pride Match on June 26. That’s the game’s unofficial moniker, declared by Seattle’s organizing committee before the teams were selected, which will also highlight original art by local Queer artists,” SGN associate editor Calvin Jay Emerson wrote.

Medhi Taj, head of the Football Federation of Iran, has called the Pride Match “an irrational move that supports a certain group,” and said his nation would ask FIFA to appeal the name. In Iran, same-sex activity remains criminalized under sharia law and can be punishable by death, SGN reported.

“A match between countries that vociferously oppose Pride presents a complex scenario for Seattle organizers, who have set up a Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC) to ‘shape the communications, community activations, and cultural programming’ for the festivities,” Jon Holmes wrote for Outsports last December.

“Despite the obvious challenges, Seattle FWC26 (FIFA World Cup 2026) have indicated they will proceed with their plans for the Pride Match on June 26,” Outsports reported.

In a statement provided to Outsports, a spokesperson for the Pride Match Advisory Committee said, “The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country, and it was planned well in advance. It is a host city-led expression of Seattle and Washington State’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone belongs: players, fans, residents, and visitors alike. Soccer has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. We are honored to host a Pride Match and to celebrate Pride as part of a global football community. This match reflects our ongoing commitment to respect, dignity, and unity for all.”

In other World Cup coverage, the Dallas Voice ran a story in April about free FIFA hospitality training ahead of the big event.

“Through the FIFA Hospitality Certification Program, community members can participate in a free, 90-minute training session designed to build cultural awareness and hospitality skills. Dallas College partnered with the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee for this opportunity and training,” the Voice reported. “Participants will not only gain practical, real-world knowledge, but will also receive an overview of FIFA and the 48 participating teams; Fan Fest experiences and what to expect; cultural awareness and international etiquette; multilingual greetings to engage global visitors and practical tools like metric conversions and time standards.”

Michael Lavers, international news editor for the Los Angeles Blade, reported on travel advisories issued by 100 organizations.

“In light of the deteriorating human rights situation in the United States and in the absence of meaningful action and concrete guarantees from FIFA, host cities, or the U.S. government, the undersigned organizations are issuing this travel advisory for fans, players, journalists, and other visitors traveling to and within the United States for the June 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. World Cup games will be played in 11 different cities across the United States, which, like many localities, have already been the target of the Trump administration’s violent and abusive immigration crackdown,” reads the advisory that the Council for Global Equality and other groups that include the American Civil Liberties Union issued on April 23.

Rough Draft Atlanta, which owns Georgia Voice, has taken a more optimistic look at the games. In a May 22 story by Sarra cultural reporter Sarra Sedghi, she provides a guide to “fan activation” events throughout the city.

“These events highlight what makes Atlanta and soccer so special, welcoming people to join in on all the World Cup excitement at no cost. Celebrate the World Cup without stepping foot inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium by attending one of the … watch parties, fan festivals, or soccer events around ATL. Check back for updates to this World Cup events guide.”

Philadelphia Gay News ran a story about the games in a July 2025 story: “Philadelphia will host part of the FIFA World Cup —  soccer’s pinnacle event — for the 2026 tournament to determine the next reigning mens’ champs. Five matches during the knockout phase of the tournament will happen at Lincoln Financial Field in late June, and a sixth will take place on Independence Day. With tickets starting at more than $1,500 per person, a close-up game-day experience is out of reach for most viewers. However, countless sports bars across the city are getting ready to stream matches and throw big parties. But that doesn’t mean every space will be welcoming and comfortable for LGBTQ+ fans. Pride House Philadelphia, a local chapter of the international network that’s developing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ and allied viewers to enjoy the upcoming World Cup, is making sure those fans have access to the celebrations.”

IN THE NEWS
Volume 28
Issue 4