Iran and Egypt have raised objections to plans by local organizers in the United States to promote their 2026 World Cup group-stage match as an LGBTQ-supportive event.
Seattle’s organizing committee had announced that the fixture — scheduled for June 26, during the city’s Pride Weekend — would be presented as a “Pride Match.”
But following last week’s FIFA World Cup draw, both nations rejected the idea.
Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s Football Federation, told local outlet ISNA that Tehran and Cairo had voiced strong objections, calling the plan “an irrational move that supports a certain group.” Iranian state television later reported that Tehran intends to appeal to FIFA.
Homosexuality remains illegal in Iran under Islamic law and is punishable by death.
Egypt’s Football Association also issued a statement confirming it had sent a formal letter to FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom. The EFA said it rejects “in absolute terms” any LGBTQ-related activities surrounding the match, arguing such initiatives conflict with the “cultural, religious and social values” of both nations.
The EFA also cited FIFA’s neutrality rules, stressing that matches should not be used to promote politically or socially sensitive causes.
In Egypt, homosexuality is not explicitly illegal but is frequently prosecuted under broad laws against “debauchery.”
The 2026 World Cup — hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — will be Iran’s seventh appearance at the tournament. Iran and the U.S. have not maintained diplomatic relations since 1980.
Iran initially threatened to skip Friday’s draw after the U.S. reportedly denied visas to several Iranian officials but later reversed that decision.
Taj added that some Iranian players could face visa issues due to their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which the U.S. designated a terrorist organization in 2019.
“We must prepare backup options for the World Cup, and we have already begun that process,” he said.
