It’s all about the Pride Match: two World Cup players stage protest | OneFootball

The planned "Pride Match" at the 2026 World Cup is causing a stir: According to organizers, the game between Egypt and Iran on June 26 in Seattle is intended to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. However, both participating nations have formally protested.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) wrote in a letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström that it "rejects any activities in support of homosexuality" in connection with the match. The letter went on to say that "activities that could trigger cultural and religious sensitivities among fans from both countries must be avoided, especially since such activities are incompatible with the culture and religion of both nations." The association also demanded that "no events or displays related to (homosexual) support activities take place in the stadium" on the day of the match.

The Iranian association also expressed its opposition. The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, described the plans as an "irrational measure to support a particular group" and, together with Egypt, officially filed a complaint.

Despite the protests, the organizers in Seattle are sticking to the concept. The initiative — organized by a local committee, not by FIFA itself — is intended to send a message of diversity and openness. "The LGBTQ+ community and culture of Seattle is an essential part of what makes our city so special, and we look forward to sharing this with the world," said a spokeswoman. She also emphasized that the Pride Match is being planned independently of FIFA.

This intensifies the debate about cultural values, human rights, and the role of sporting events as a stage for social messages. For many observers, the controversy symbolizes the tension between a global sporting event and national values.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 Azael Rodriguez - 2024 Getty Images