Sports
Decision Made After Egypt and Iran ‘Pride Match’ Objections at 2026 World Cup
A statement has been released, and a final decision made, after Egypt and Iran objected to taking part in a designated “Pride Match” at the 2026 World Cup. Plans to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights in Seattle during next summer’s tournament were widely welcomed, but the initiative was thrown into chaos when it emerged that two countries that criminalise same-sex relationships had been assigned to the fixture.
In both nations, same-sex relationships are illegal; Iran even imposes the death penalty, while Egypt has seen repeated crackdowns and arrests of LGBTQ+ individuals, according to human rights groups.
The controversy marks a sharp turn for FIFA, which previously urged players and pundits not to wear rainbow laces during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is also illegal. And FIFA has now issued its final ruling on whether the Pride Match will proceed.
‘Pride Match’ at 2026 World Cup to Feature Two Nations Where Homosexuality is Illegal
Gianni Infantino continues to make bold decisions ahead of next summer’s tournament.
Final Statement Released as Egypt and Iran Object to ‘Pride Match’ Plans
Seattle organisers have confirmed that they are “moving forward as planned” with Pride activities in the city when Egypt face Iran in Group G on 26 June. Rainbow flags will also be allowed into the stadium by FIFA.
The Egyptian football federation said this week that it had written to FIFA’s general secretary to complain about the Pride Match, saying it did not want to be associated with celebrations that “directly contradict the cultural, religious and social values … in Arab and Islamic societies”. Despite this, the organising committee for Seattle said in a statement that its plans for activities were outside the stadium and would go ahead. It read:
“SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington.”
The head of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, was also quoted by the local news agency ISNA as saying it too had raised “objections against the issue”, according to The Guardian.
The Issues Around World Cup’s Special Fixture
According to the Daily Mail, some believe the pairing in the famously liberal city may actually prove beneficial, given that gay fans from each country will be able to attend, celebrate their sexuality and not be prosecuted for doing so.
But the fears surrounding Iran’s fixture with Egypt won’t necessarily be about how it will be received by supporters at the Seattle Seahawks’ Lumen Field, but rather about whether the players will participate in the celebration or whether they will be warned off by their respective FAs, and the consequences they may face in their countries.
