Iran, Egypt Oppose LGBTQ-Themed World Cup Fixture

Iran and Egypt have jointly raised objections to plans by local organisers in the United States to brand their 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage clash as an LGBTQ-themed “Pride Match.”

The match, scheduled to take place in Seattle, Washington, on June 26, was earlier announced by the local organising committee as part of the city’s annual Pride Weekend celebrations.

However, following last week’s World Cup draw that placed both nations in the same group, officials in Tehran and Cairo have formally rejected any attempt to associate the fixture with LGBTQ support activities.

President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, told Iran’s ISNA news agency that both countries had lodged objections, describing the planned branding as an “irrational move that supports a certain group.” Iranian state television also reported that Tehran intends to submit an appeal to FIFA.

Homosexuality is criminalised in Iran under Islamic law. In Egypt, while not explicitly outlawed, same-sex relations are frequently prosecuted under laws relating to “debauchery.”

In a separate statement, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said it had written to FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom, rejecting “in absolute terms” any activities linked to LGBTQ advocacy during the match. The EFA argued that such initiatives conflict with the “cultural, religious and social values” of both nations and insisted the event should remain strictly focused on football.

The Egyptian federation also referenced FIFA’s statutes on political and social neutrality, saying matches should not be used to promote causes deemed sensitive or divisive.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico will mark Iran’s seventh appearance at the tournament. The country has no diplomatic relations with the United States, a rift that dates back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent hostage crisis.

Iran had initially threatened to boycott the tournament draw due to visa restrictions affecting members of its delegation, before later reversing the decision.

Meanwhile, Taj disclosed that some Iranian players could face visa complications linked to their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which the U.S. designated a terrorist organisation in 2019. He said contingency plans were being made to ensure the team can field replacements if needed.

AFP