Egypt and Iran have asked FIFA to block LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities linked to their 2026 World Cup group match in Seattle, arguing the plans clash with their cultural and religious values. The two nations, where same-sex relations are criminalised or harshly punished, have formally protested a locally branded “Pride Match” scheduled for June 26 at Lumen Field, which coincides with Seattle’s Pride weekend.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, held last week, placed Egypt and Iran together in Group G and scheduled them to meet on 26 June at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.
Local organisers in Seattle had previously designated the fixture as a "Pride Match" to coincide with the city’s annual Pride weekend, planning celebrations and artwork to highlight LGBTQIA+ communities. The initiative is organised by the local Seattle committee and Pride groups and is not affiliated with or officially endorsed by FIFA.
In response, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said it had sent a formal letter to FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström "categorically rejecting" any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the game. The federation wrote that such activities "directly conflict with the cultural, religious and social values in the region, especially in Arab and Islamic societies," and urged FIFA to ensure the match is played in an atmosphere focused solely on sport.
“In order to ensure that the match is held in an atmosphere of respect and focus on the sporting aspect only, the Egyptian Federation categorically rejects these invitations and demands FIFA not to hold any events or offers related to (homosexuality) support events within the stadium on the day of the match,” the EFA said, according to statements reported by multiple outlets.
Iran’s Football Federation has echoed those concerns. Its president, Mehdi Taj, was quoted by Iranian state media and international news organisations as saying: “Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point.” Taj has said Iran will raise the issue at an upcoming FIFA Council meeting in Qatar.
Both countries apply strict laws against same-sex relations. In Iran, homosexuality is illegal and can be punishable by death under the penal code. In Egypt, same-sex conduct is not explicitly outlawed but is frequently prosecuted under broadly worded morality and "debauchery" provisions, according to organisations such as Human Rights Watch.
Seattle’s local World Cup organisers and Pride groups have said their plans focus on citywide celebrations and activities around the stadium, rather than on-field presentations during the match. They have framed the event as a way to showcase Seattle’s diverse communities and to promote inclusion during the tournament, while acknowledging that FIFA retains control over what happens inside the stadium on match day.
The dispute recalls the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when FIFA threatened sporting sanctions against several European teams that planned to wear the “OneLove” armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights, prompting those sides to abandon the gesture.
FIFA has not yet publicly commented on the complaints lodged by Egypt and Iran or on how, if at all, Pride-related programming around the Seattle match might be affected.
