Iran and Egypt have formally objected to participating in a planned ‘Pride Match’ during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Iranian officials labelling the move “irrational” and suggesting they may appeal the decision.
The match, scheduled for Friday 26 June 2026 in Seattle, falls during the city’s annual Pride Weekend and was designated a Pride Match by organisers to recognise and celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The fixture, set between Iran and Egypt, was confirmed on 5 December, raising immediate questions due to both nations’ notoriously poor records on LGBTQ+ rights. An alternative matchup between New Zealand and Belgium had reportedly also been under consideration.
Iran: Match is “irrational” and appeals planned
On Monday 8 December, reports emerged that Mehdi Taj, head of the Iran Football Federation, confirmed both Iran and Egypt had raised objections to the designation of their fixture as a Pride Match.
According to The Straits Times, Taj described the event as an “irrational move that supports a certain group,” and Iranian state television reported that Iran plans to appeal the designation through FIFA.
A spokesperson for Seattle’s Pride Match Advisory Committee maintained the match was planned well in advance to align with Seattle’s broader Pride festivities.
“The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country,” the spokesperson told Outsports.
“It reflects our ongoing commitment to respect, dignity, and unity for all.”
LGBTQ+ repression in Iran and Egypt
In Iran, same-sex activity is punishable by death, with LGBTQ+ individuals facing extreme persecution. A 2021 United Nations report detailed horrific abuses, including the use of electric shock torture on queer youth.
While homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt, LGBTQ+ people face routine discrimination and can be prosecuted under laws related to “debauchery,” “indecency,” and “scandalous acts.”
Both nations have drawn widespread criticism from human rights organisations for their treatment of LGBTQ+ communities, with some advocates questioning why they would be selected for a match tied to Pride celebrations.
FIFA’s ongoing LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts
Despite the backlash, FIFA and host cities continue to advance plans for inclusive programming during the World Cup. In 2023, LGBTQ+ organisation Pride House International announced it would have a presence in every host city during the 2026 tournament.
The Seattle Pride Match is part of broader efforts to integrate messages of diversity and inclusion into the global football event. Whether Iran and Egypt will ultimately take part in the match as scheduled — or be reassigned to another fixture — remains to be seen.
