From local Pride plans to global politics, here’s why Egypt is asking FIFA to intervene in its Seattle World Cup match.
Egypt is having a problem with its FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Iran scheduled for 26 June in Seattle, USA. Egypt’s problem is not with the venue, the date of the match, or the opponent – Iran. Its problem lies with the fixture being labelled as the “Pride Match” by locals.
As the match also coincides with Seattle’s Pride weekend, the Egyptian Football Association has now sent a letter to FIFA asking the football global body to ensure that no LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities take place inside the stadium during its match against Iran in Seattle.
Homosexuality is banned in Egypt under the Penal Code 1937 and Law 10/1961. The LGBTQ+ people in Egypt have consistently faced widespread discrimination and violence. Egypt also does not provide any legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Interestingly, homosexuality is also illegal in Iran and punishable by death.
As a result, the Egypt Football Association (EFA) has told FIFA that any LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during the match would be a disrespect to the cultural and religious values of Iran and Egypt.
In the letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, the EFA said it “categorically rejects any activities promoting LGBTQ during the match as they 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 added.
“While FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful environment that welcomes all fans, it is essential to avoid activities that could spark tension or misunderstanding between supporters from Egypt and Iran.”
“We call on FIFA to guarantee that the match takes place in an atmosphere focused solely on sport and free from displays that contradict the beliefs of the participating nations.”
The EFA added that its position was based on FIFA’s statutes, “specifically Article 4, which emphasizes neutrality in political and social matters during FIFA competitions,” and also FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, which state that the tournaments must remain free of “manifestations that could cause tension or conflict among fans.”
Is FIFA organising the Pride Match?
It would be interesting to see how FIFA responds to Egypt’s demand, but the global body has no role in organising the Pride Match or Pride Weekend. The LGBTQ+ celebrations have been planned by local organisers and the plans to celebrate the 26 June game as a Pride Match or to make LGBTQ+ artwork displays around the stadium and across Seattle were made before Egypt and Iran were drawn to play that match.
The local organisers are not related to FIFA in any way.
Nonetheless, FIFA has a history of bowing down to local laws against homosexuality, but this time the game is in the US, where same-sex sexual conduct is legal.
During the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, FIFA issued a yellow card threat to players who would wear the “OneLove” armband, supporting LGBTQ+ rights. As a result, England and Wales decided against wearing the armband.
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