Iran and Egypt have rejected plans by local organisers in the United States to promote their 2026 World Cup group-stage encounter as an LGBTQ-supportive event.
The Seattle organising committee had earlier announced intentions to brand the June 26 match as a “Pride Match,” coinciding with the city’s Pride Weekend celebrations.
However, after the tournament draw placed Iran and Egypt together, both nations voiced strong objections. According to Iran’s Football Federation chief, Mehdi Taj, Tehran and Cairo protested what he called an “irrational move supporting a particular group.” He did not specify the branding details.
Iranian state TV reported on Monday that Tehran would appeal to FIFA over the issue. Homosexuality remains illegal in Iran under Islamic law.
The Egyptian Football Association also confirmed it had written to FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, firmly rejecting any LGBTQ-related activities tied to the fixture. The EFA said such plans conflict with the “cultural, religious and social values” of both countries and urged FIFA to ensure the match remains strictly about football.
While homosexuality is not explicitly illegal in Egypt, it is frequently prosecuted under broad “debauchery” laws.
Citing FIFA’s neutrality rules, the EFA argued that World Cup matches should not be used to promote causes that are politically or socially sensitive.
The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be Iran’s seventh World Cup appearance. Iran and the U.S. have had no diplomatic ties since 1980, following the 1979 hostage crisis.
Iran initially boycotted last Friday’s draw after U.S. authorities denied visas to several delegation members but later reversed its stance.
Taj also noted Tuesday that some Iranian players may face visa obstacles due to past service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which the U.S. designated as a terrorist organisation in 2019. He said the federation is preparing alternatives should affected players be unable to travel.
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