Egypt’s Football Association (EFA) says it has written to FIFA asking the world governing body to stop any LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities planned around Egypt’s 2026 World Cup group match against Iran in Seattle.
The Group G fixture, scheduled for June 26, has been designated by Seattle’s local organisers as a “Pride Match” to coincide with the city’s annual Pride weekend. Reports suggest the plans, including celebrations and artwork around the stadium, were drafted before the World Cup draw paired Egypt with Iran—two countries where LGBTQ+ people face harsh penalties.
In a letter addressed to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, the Egyptian federation said it “categorically rejects any activities promoting LGBTQ during the match,” claiming such initiatives could “provoke cultural and religious sensitivities among fans.”
“These activities directly conflict with the cultural, religious and social values of the region, particularly in Arab and Islamic societies,” the EFA wrote, urging FIFA to ensure the match atmosphere “focuses solely on sport” and avoids displays that “contradict the beliefs of the participating nations.”
The federation cited FIFA statutes—particularly Article 4 on neutrality in political and social matters—and disciplinary rules requiring competitions to remain free of “manifestations that could cause tension or conflict among fans.”
The EFA also noted that the event has been organised by the local committee, not by FIFA itself. FIFA has not immediately responded to a request for comment.
Activists say LGBTQ+ people in Iran face severe punishment, including the death penalty for same-sex relations, while in Egypt morality laws are frequently used to prosecute LGBTQ+ individuals.
The issue recalls tensions at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when FIFA warned that players risked yellow cards for wearing the “OneLove” armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights, leading several European teams to drop plans to use it.
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