Iran and Egypt have reportedly objected to taking part in a so called ‘Pride match’ during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with one official describing it as “irrational.”

On Monday (8 December) it was revealed that a match taking place on Friday 26 June in Seattle between the two nations would be designated a ‘Pride match’ in recognition of the city’s Pride weekend celebrations.

On Friday (5 December) Egypt and Iran were announced as the teams taking part in the match, ironic given both have terrible LGBTQ+ records. The other option had been a game between New Zealand and Belgium.

Despite concerns about Egypt and Iran’s records, a spokesperson for Seattle’s Pride Match Advisory Committee told Outsports: “The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country, and it was planned well in advance.

Now, Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s Football Federation, has said both countries due to take part have raised “objections.” According to The Straits Times, Taj called the ‘Pride match’ an “irrational move that supports a certain group.”

The outlet also reports that Iranian TV has said the country will appeal the decision.

Same-sex activity is punishable by death in Iran. In 2021, a United Nations report found the Islamic Republic of Iran imposed electric shock torture on LGBTQ+ children, among other human rights violations.

Homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt, but queer people face high levels of discrimination and can be convicted for “debauchery”, “indecency” and “scandalous acts”. 

In 2023, LGBTQ+ non-profit organisation Pride House International announced plans to have a strong presence in every host city in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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