Tensions are rising as Egypt and Iran have both issued complaints over being included in the FIFA World Cup Pride Match next summer.
The pre-planned celebration of the LGBTQ community had been set for the June 26 Group G match, which saw the two Middle Eastern countries — where homosexuality is illegal — slotted to play in Seattle after Friday’s World Cup 2026 draw.
The national soccer federations for both nations have issued complaints over being placed in the match, with Egypt issuing a demand that there are no events “related to supporting homosexuality” around the game.
In a letter sent to FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, Egypt said that the theme would clash with “the cultural, religious and social values” of both countries, and rejected “in absolute terms” any experiences linked to support for the LGBTQ+ community.
“The Egyptian Football Association explained in the letter that, while FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all fans, and in order to maintain the spirit of unity and peace, it is necessary to avoid including activities that could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities between fans present from both countries, Egypt and Iran, especially since such activities are culturally and religiously incompatible with the two countries,” the statement read.
“The federation also relied on FIFA’s established principle of respecting cultures and encouraging all parties to organize events in a way that respects the beliefs and identities of the participating communities. Therefore, in order to ensure that the match is held in an atmosphere of respect and focus solely on the sporting aspect, the Egyptian Federation categorically rejects these calls and demands that FIFA not hold any events or performances related to supporting homosexuality inside the stadium on matchday.”
Mehdi Taj, the president of Iran’s Football Federation, said his country would bring up the issue during a FIFA council meeting in Qatar next week. Egypt’s Hany Abo Rida happens to be the longest-serving member of the 37-person council, chaired by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“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 said while Iran’s state TV confirmed a complaint would be sent to FIFA.
How this happened
After Friday’s draw put Egypt, Iran, Belgium and New Zealand together in Group G, it was possible that the Pride Match could have been the game between Belgium and New Zealand, which also falls on June 26. However, that matchup was set to take place in Vancouver at the same time as Egypt-Iran in Seattle.
While there may have been plans to switch the Pride Match to a different game that Seattle will be hosting, a June 19 game featuring Team USA already has been designated as a Juneteenth celebration and the other two group-stage matchups either feature Egypt or Qatar, which also has anti-gay laws.
It remains possible that FIFA may switch locations for the two final Group G matches, but the organization declined to comment on the situation to the Associated Press.
‘Moving forward as planned’
Despite the mounting pressure, Seattle’s organizing committee said it was “moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament.”
“The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle,” spokesperson Hana Tadesse said in a statement on Wednesday. “We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect and dignity that defines our region.”
FIFA in a potential bind
The complaints by Egypt and Iran could pose an interesting dilemma for FIFA, which during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar defended the right of the host nation’s cultural norms to be respected by visiting teams and fans.
During the event hosted by the Middle Eastern nation, the “OneLove” captain’s armband in support of diversity was banned by FIFA and some LGBTQ fans and allies had rainbow-coloured items confiscated by security forces.
American journalist Grant Wahl — who died days later in Qatar — was also told by security to remove his rainbow T-shirt at a stadium.