FIFA confirms Egypt vs Iran 2026 World Cup 'Pride Match' despite objections

Updated: 12 Dec, 2025 • 0 • min read

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FIFA confirms Egypt vs Iran 2026 World Cup 'Pride Match' despite objections

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FIFA has issued its final ruling after Egypt and Iran formally objected to taking part in a designated "Pride Match" at the 2026 World Cup - a fixture intended to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights but which placed two nations that criminalise same-sex relationships at the centre of unexpected controversy.

The match, scheduled for 26 June in Seattle's Lumen Field, will see Egypt face Iran in Group G, and had been earmarked by local organisers as a key moment in the city's Pride celebrations.

The announcement was widely welcomed in one of America's most LGBTQ+-inclusive cities - until it became clear that both competing nations enforce laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.

In Iran, same-sex relationships can carry the death penalty, whilst Egypt has faced repeated crackdowns and arrests of LGBTQ+ people, according to human rights organisations.

FIFA Maintains Pride Activities Will Go Ahead

Despite objections from both football associations, FIFA confirmed the match will proceed as scheduled, and rainbow flags will be permitted inside the stadium.

Seattle's organisers have also reaffirmed their commitment to the event.

In a statement, the organising committee said:

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.

This decision marks a notable shift for FIFA, which came under heavy criticism during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after discouraging players, pundits and fans from displaying rainbow symbols in a country where homosexuality is also illegal.

Egypt and Iran Lodge Formal Complaints

Earlier this week, Egypt's football federation revealed it had written to FIFA's general secretary, objecting to being associated with celebrations that "directly contradict the cultural, religious and social values in Arab and Islamic societies."

Iran's football federation chief, Mehdi Taj, also said his organisation had raised "objections against the issue," as reported by the ISNA news agency.

Concerns Extend Beyond the Stadium

Whilst Seattle is widely regarded as a liberal and LGBTQ+-inclusive city - something some commentators say could offer rare freedom for gay supporters from both nations - there remain fears over how the match will unfold.

The biggest uncertainty is whether players from Egypt and Iran will be pressured by their national federations not to engage with or acknowledge Pride-related activity.

Analysts warn that participating in, or even being photographed near, LGBTQ+ symbolism could potentially carry consequences for individuals once they return home.

The situation leaves a delicate balance: a host city determined to celebrate Pride, a global governing body attempting to support inclusion, and two countries whose laws directly oppose LGBTQ+ rights.

As it stands, Seattle's "Pride Match" will go ahead, but the world will be watching closely to see how Egypt, Iran, and their players navigate one of the most politically sensitive fixtures of the 2026 World Cup.

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