2026 World Cup: Seattle ‘Pride Match’ set to happen despite Egypt objections

The lengthy Egyptian FA statement claimed the initiative would clash with “the cultural, religious and social values” of Egypt and Iran, and urged Fifa to ensure the match would remain focused on football.

It cited Fifa’s statutes on political and social neutrality, arguing matches should not be used to promote causes that are “sensitive or of a contentious nature”.

The statement read: “The Egyptian Football Association explained in the letter that, while Fifa is committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all fans, and in order to maintain the spirit of unity and peace, it is necessary to avoid including activities that could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities between fans present from both countries, Egypt and Iran, especially since such activities are culturally and religiously incompatible with the two countries.

“The federation also relied on Fifa’s established principle of respecting cultures and encouraging all parties to organise events in a way that respects the beliefs and identities of the participating communities.

“Therefore, in order to ensure that the match is held in an atmosphere of respect and focus solely on the sporting aspect, the Egyptian Federation categorically rejects these calls and demands that Fifa not hold any events or performances related to supporting homosexuality inside the stadium on matchday.”

In response, the Seattle organising committee said it is “committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region”.

Hana Tedesse, vice-president of communications for Seattle Fifa World Cup 2026, said its plans focused on events around the city, rather than in Lumen Field or during the game itself.

“As the local organising committee, our role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium,” Tedesse told the BBC.

“Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle.”

The Pride Match plans have also reportedly drawn criticism from Iranian media.

Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, was quoted by local news agency ISNA as saying Tehran and Cairo had both raised “objections against the issue”, which he described as an “irrational move that supports a certain group”.

The BBC understands that reports suggesting Iran have officially appealed to Fifa about the Pride Match are untrue.