Both Iran and Egypt have formally objected to plans by local US organizers. The organizers intended to brand their 2026 World Cup match as an event supporting the LGBTQ community.
The local organizing committee in Seattle, Washington, plans to hold a “Pride Match”. This fixture coincides with the city’s Pride Weekend in late June. Following the recent FIFA draw, Egypt and Iran are scheduled to face off in Seattle on June 26.
Cultural Clash and Official Objections
The head of Iran’s Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, confirmed that both Tehran and Cairo had raised “objections against the issue”. Taj called the branding an “irrational move that supports a certain group”. Iranian state television later announced Tehran would “appeal” to FIFA over the matter.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) sent a formal letter to FIFA. The EFA rejected “in absolute terms” any activities linked to LGBTQ support during the match.
- EFA Stance: The EFA argued these initiatives clash with the “cultural, religious and social values” of both nations. They urged FIFA to keep the match focused solely on football.
- Legal Context: Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and can be punishable by death. In Egypt, related acts are often punished under laws prohibiting “debauchery”.
The EFA cited FIFA’s statutes on political and social neutrality. They argued matches should not promote “sensitive or of a contentious nature” causes.
Diplomatic Concerns and Logistics
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran’s participation is their seventh.
- US-Iran Relations: Relations between Iran and the US remain strained, with no diplomatic ties since the 1979 revolution.
- Visa Issues: Taj voiced concern that some Iranian players might face visa problems due to their mandatory service in the Iranian military. This includes the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which the US designated a “terrorist organisation” in 2019.
- Contingency Plan: “For the World Cup, we must work on having replacement options, and we have already started that,” Taj confirmed.
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