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| Egypt and Iran have been drawn in 2026 World Cup Group G alongside Belgium and New Zealand |
The Egyptian Football Association (FA) has formally requested FIFA to cancel LGBTQ+ "Pride Match" celebrations planned for their 2026 World Cup fixture in Seattle. The FA emphasized that such activities clash with the cultural and social values of Egypt and the opposing team, Iran.
The match is scheduled at Lumen Field on 26 June 2026, during Seattle Pride weekend and just two days before the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, widely recognized as the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Seattle's local organising committee had planned the Pride celebrations before the World Cup draw and team fixtures were finalized. The initiative is being managed independently by the local authorities and is not officially affiliated with FIFA.
Group G Fixture: Egypt vs Iran
Following the World Cup draw, it was confirmed that Seattle will host the Group G match between Egypt and Iran. Both nations have conservative stances on LGBTQ+ issues:
- Iran: Homosexual relations are illegal and can be punished by death.
- Egypt: Morality laws are often used to criminalize or suppress LGBTQ+ relationships and rights.
In its statement, the Egyptian FA wrote to FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom, rejecting "in absolute terms" any activities promoting LGBTQ+ support during the match. The FA urged FIFA to focus solely on the sporting aspect of the game and respect the cultural sensitivities of both nations.
Context of the Pride Celebrations
The Pride celebrations in Seattle include pre-match events, rainbow-themed displays, and community recognition. FIFA clarified that while it supports inclusivity, it does not directly organize such city-specific activities. The Egyptian FA's letter calls for FIFA intervention to ensure no official World Cup event conflicts with participating nations' cultural values.
The situation highlights the tension between global sporting inclusivity efforts and the cultural or religious norms of certain participating nations. Analysts note that FIFA may face diplomatic challenges in balancing inclusivity with respect for diverse national contexts.
As of now, FIFA has not responded publicly to the Egyptian FA’s request, and it remains unclear if the Pride-related activities at Lumen Field will proceed as planned.
Stay tuned for updates on the World Cup 2026 fixtures and any decisions from FIFA regarding the Seattle Pride Match.