Egypt and Iran have formally called on FIFA to intervene and prevent the LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations planned during their group‑stage match in the 2026 World Cup, slated for June 26 in Seattle.
The Egyptian Football Association sent a letter to FIFA Secretary‑General Mattias Grafström demanding the cancellation of the Pride events slated for their first match of the tournament. The association argues that the celebrations could “hurt the cultural and religious sensitivities of fans” and that such activities “contradict the social and religious values of the country, especially in Arab and Islamic societies.”
The letter also referred to Article 4 of FIFA’s statutes, which underscores the organization’s commitment to neutrality on political and social issues during official competitions.
2 View gallery
Seattle announced earlier this month that the first game the city would host at Lumen Field would be the 'Pride Match'
(Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Following suit, the Iran Football Federation, represented by its president Mehdi Taj, said Tehran would formally appeal the Seattle decision, describing the match’s Pride‑themed branding as “irrational” and “biased toward a certain group.” Taj told state media that the designation violates the principles of neutrality and fairness.
Seattle announced earlier this month that the first game the city would host at Lumen Field would be the "Pride Match" - the first of its kind in World Cup history. However, this game would bring together two countries with particularly problematic backgrounds when it comes to LGBT human rights. Both Egypt and Iran prohibit same-sex relations by law. In Iran, the maximum penalty is death.
Despite the mounting objections, Seattle organizers say they will press ahead with the planned "Pride Match." In a statement to Outsports, a spokesperson for the city’s Pride Match Advisory Committee said the match was long planned to “celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country,” reflecting the city and Washington State’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where “players, fans, residents, and visitors all feel they belong.” They added that “soccer has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures and beliefs.”
FIFA has declined so far to publicly comment on the dispute. The decision now rests on whether it will intervene or allow the match and associated Pride events to proceed.