The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally requested FIFA to cancel the planned LGBTQ+ “Pride Match” celebrations ahead of their 2026 World Cup group game against Iran in Seattle. The announcement comes amid heightened sensitivity around cultural and religious values, with both Egypt and Iran maintaining strict laws against homosexuality.

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Background: Pride Match Planned in Seattle

The Pride Match, set to take place at Lumen Field on 26 June 2026, coincides with Seattle Pride and the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a landmark event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. While originally scheduled before the World Cup draw, the local organising committee in Seattle planned the events to celebrate inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Egyptian FA, however, has raised objections, arguing that the initiative conflicts with cultural, religious, and social values of both Egypt and Iran. In a formal letter to FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, the EFA requested that any LGBTQ+ celebrations not take place during the match, insisting the focus remain solely on football.

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Egyptian FA Cites FIFA Statutes

In its statement, the EFA referenced FIFA’s principles of political and social neutrality, stating that matches should not promote causes “sensitive or of a contentious nature.” The federation emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could provoke cultural or religious tensions among fans from both countries.

“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,” the statement read.

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Local Organisers Confirm Plans Continue

Despite Egypt’s objections, the Seattle local organising committee stated it is “moving forward as planned with our community programming.” Hana Tedesse, vice-president of communications for Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026, clarified that activities are intended for the city rather than inside Lumen Field during the game:

“Our role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium. Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs.”

Seattle is home to large Iranian-American and Egyptian diaspora communities, which organizers say will be included in the celebrations while respecting local laws and cultural sensitivities.

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Iran’s Position and Media Reactions

Reports suggest that Iran’s football federation has also expressed concerns, although the BBC understands Iran has not officially appealed to FIFA. Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s federation, described media reports on the Pride Match as “an irrational move that supports a certain group.”

The controversy echoes previous events in international football. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a country with strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws, FIFA sanctioned players wearing the OneLove armband, issuing yellow cards. Political figures, including the then UK Foreign Secretary, also advised fans to exercise caution and “compromise” when attending matches in countries with restrictive laws, sparking widespread criticism.

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Challenges Ahead for FIFA

The Pride Match is just one of six World Cup games scheduled in Seattle, which also hosts fixtures with countries that have restrictive laws against same-sex relationships, such as Qatar. Coordinating inclusivity initiatives while respecting international laws presents a unique challenge for FIFA and the local organizing committees.

While FIFA has yet to publicly comment, the situation raises questions about cultural sensitivity, LGBTQ+ representation, and international football governance in major tournaments.

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Key Takeaways

• Egypt formally requested FIFA to cancel LGBTQ+ Pride Match celebrations during their World Cup game against Iran.
• The Pride Match in Seattle coincides with Seattle Pride and the Stonewall Riots anniversary.
• The Egyptian FA cited FIFA statutes on neutrality and the need to respect cultural and religious values.
• Local organisers plan to continue community events outside the stadium.
• Similar controversies arose during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar regarding LGBTQ+ support.