Egypt rejects LGBT support activities at Iran 2026 World Cup match designated Pride fixture | OneFootball

The Egyptian Football Association said in a statement on Tuesday that it had rejected the organisation of any activity linked to LGBT support at their 27 June World Cup group game against Iran in Seattle.

The fixture at Lumen Field had been earmarked as Group G’s matchday three Pride match following a proposal from the city and the local organising committee. The tournament draw later placed Egypt and Iran into that slot.

Iran had previously condemned the designation, describing it as irrational.

A letter to FIFA from the Egyptian federation rejects such activities outright, arguing they contradict the region’s cultural, religious and social values, particularly in Arab and Islamic societies. The correspondence cites article four of FIFA’s statutes on political and social neutrality, and the need to avoid using football to promote sensitive causes.

The Pride match plan was intended to align with Seattle’s Pride week and wider celebrations across the country. Homosexuality is criminalised in both Egypt and Iran.

Source: L'Équipe