The game between Egypt and Iran in the early hours of Friday (26) to Saturday (27) could generate a conflict between the teams and FIFA. Scheduled for a day of actions dedicated to the LGBT+ community in the city of Seattle, the match could attract demonstrations in the stands from fans whose countries criminalize same-sex relationships.
Traditionally, the city of Seattle organizes a calendar of LGBT+ Pride celebrations in the last week of June. The World Cup entered this year’s agenda, with an event called “Pride Match Day” — something like “Pride Match Day”, in Portuguese, programmed by the World Cup organizing committee in the city.
It turns out that the event was scheduled before FIFA drew the groups for the tournament. When this happened, on December 5, 2025, the opponents for the game in the city on June 26 would be defined: Egypt and Iran.
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Countries criminalize homosexuality
Quickly, countries reacted. A statement published by the Egyptian Football Federation on December 9 said that the entity “categorically rejects the carrying out of any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match between the Egyptian national team and Iran.”
According to the Federation, the letter recognized FIFA’s efforts to ensure a respectful and welcoming environment for all fans, but that it should “avoid the inclusion of activities that could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities among fans present from the two countries, Egypt and Iran, especially as such activities are culturally and religiously incompatible with both countries”.
The Human Dignity Trust, an international organization dedicated to seeking the decriminalization of homosexual relationships in the world, points out that people of the same sex can suffer the death penalty in Iran. According to the institution, there is evidence that the law has been applied in recent years.
In Egypt, the maximum penalty is three years in prison and a fine. According to the Human Dignity Trust, the rule applies only to men and there is also documentation of arrests involving same-sex sexual activity — in some cases exceeding the legal limit of three years.
In a response to The Athletic published in a report last Wednesday (24), he stated his position: “No ceremony or promotional activity associated with this movement should be carried out inside the stadium or as part of the match environment.”
“We believe that FIFA should take into account the views and concerns of the participating teams on matters related to the match environment and the presentation of the stadium,” the Federation told the vehicle, highlighting that the World Cup organizing entity was notified in a letter.
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FIFA assured The Athletic, however, that it allows rainbow flags into World Cup stadiums.
In an interview with Swiss newspaper Weltwoche earlier this year, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he needed to “clarify that there will not be a ‘Pride Match’ at the World Cup. There will be a World Cup match in Seattle and, on the same day, events from external organizations in the same city. It has nothing to do with the match itself.”
Event organizers
The official page of the Seattle Committee for the World Cup records an event called “Pride Match Day”. The event is described as a celebration of the city around visibility, belonging and community. The event, says the official page, is anchored in the FIFA World Cup.
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On the website, the committee invites visitors to watch the game at parties around the city. A crossing of the city connecting key points related to the World Cup is also highlighted, but from an LGBT+ perspective.
Unlike other World Cups, FIFA has established local committees for the 2026 edition. The measure allows the 16 host cities to be able to maximize commercial benefits with sponsorships and partnerships to generate economic impact locally.
On its official page, the Seattle committee points to diversity as one of its values. “We are designing an experience for FWC26 that is grounded not only in the values we share — reflected in the 6 Legacy Pillars that guide our work — but also in the way we present the games, with an inclusive and festive energy that captures our spirit and creates lasting memories,” he says.
