Planning for the 2026 World Cup is already well underway but FIFA have received a complaint from one of the nations who have already booked their spot at the tournament
The Egyptian FA have sent a letter to FIFA in protest of the organisation’s plans for a ‘Pride Match’ at the 2026 World Cup, just months before the tournament officially kicks off.
Tournament organisers had pencilled in a match intended to mark LGBTQ+ inclusion, with said game taking place in Seattle on June 26: a date that was decided before the draw. Following last week’s draw for the tournament, it has been confirmed that the game would be Egypt’s Group G clash with Iran. But Egypt – where like Iran, homosexuality is illegal – are unhappy with the plans.
Egyptian FA chiefs have since sent a formal letter to FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom confirming that they will reject “in absolute terms” any activities linked with LGBTQ+ support.
A statement read: “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 federation also relied on Fifa’s established principle of respecting cultures and encouraging all parties to organise events in a way that respects the beliefs and identities of the participating communities.
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“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.”
The Seattle organising committee said it is “committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region” before confirming that plans were still going ahead.
Hana Tedesse, vice-president of communications for Seattle Fifa World Cup 2026, said to the BBC: “As the local organising committee, our role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium.
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“Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. 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.”
The game is set to take place on the weekend of Seattle Pride, as well as two days before the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots – an event widely perceived as the start of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
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