Planning for the 2026 World Cup is already well underway, but FIFA has received a complaint from one of the countries that has already reserved a spot for the tournament.
The Egyptian Football Association has sent a letter to FIFA protesting the organization’s plans to stage a “pride match” at the 2026 World Cup, months before the competition officially begins.
Tournament organizers were planning a match to commemorate LGBTQ+ inclusion, which was scheduled to be held in Seattle on June 26, a date decided before the drawing. Following last week’s tournament draw, it has been confirmed that the match will be between Egypt and Iran in Group G. But Egypt, where homosexuality is illegal like Iran, is unhappy with the plan.
The heads of the Egyptian Football Association then sent a formal letter to FIFA Secretary-General Matthias Grafström, confirming their “absolute” rejection of any activities related to supporting LGBTQ+ people.
“The Egyptian Football Association explained in its letter that FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all fans, and that in order to maintain a spirit of unity and peace, it is necessary to avoid including activities that may arouse cultural and religious sensitivities among fans attending from both Egypt and Iran, particularly as such activities are culturally and religiously incompatible with both countries,” the statement said.
“The Federation also relied on FIFA’s established principles of encouraging all parties to organize events in a way that respects cultures and respects the beliefs and identities of participating communities.
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“Therefore, in order to ensure that the matches are held in an atmosphere of respect and focus solely on the sporting aspects, the Egyptian Federation categorically rejects these requests and requests FIFA not to hold any events or performances related to supporting homosexuality inside the stadiums on match days.”
Seattle organizers said they are “committed to ensuring that all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that characterizes our region” before confirming plans were still in the works.
Hana Tedesse, Vice President of Communications for the Seattle 2026 FIFA World Cup, told the BBC: “Our role as the local organizing committee is to prepare the city for the games and manage the urban experience outside of Seattle Stadium.”
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“Football has the unique power to unite people across borders, cultures and beliefs. The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the largest Iranian American communities in the country, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and a rich community representing all the countries we host in Seattle.”
The game is scheduled to take place two days before Seattle Pride weekend and the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which is widely seen as the beginning of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
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