Iran and Egypt will meet in their bid to qualify for the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Seattle, which will take the opportunity to celebrate a “Pride Match” in support of the LGBTQ+ community, despite objections from both participating countries.

Before the draw held last December, Seattle decided to dedicate its third group stage match to LGBTQ+ causes, at the heart of the traditional Pride Week events that hold special significance in the major city in the state of Washington.

The draw ultimately produced a matchup between Iran and Egypt, which angered both national teams, while the other match in Group Seven between Belgium and New Zealand will take place at the same time in Vancouver, Canada.

Egypt rejects any activity linked to support for LGBTQ+ causes

At the end of 2025, the Egyptian Football Association sent a letter to FIFA in which it “categorically” rejected any activity that could be associated with support for LGBTQ+ causes during the match.

The Egyptian federation considered that such events conflict with the cultural and religious values of the country, which has a Muslim majority.

Homosexuality in Egypt is often punished under laws drafted in broad terms that prohibit “debauchery.”

Egypt before facing Iran in the 2026 World Cup. (AFP)

Iran criticizes decision to hold “Pride Match”

The head of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, criticized the decision, saying: “It is an irrational move that favors a particular group.”

Same-sex sexual relations are prohibited in Iran and can, in some cases, be punishable by death.

FIFA comments

FIFA, on the other hand, sought to calm tensions, confirming that the “Pride Match” is an initiative by the local organizing committee and not by the international football federation, according to one of its spokespersons speaking to Agence France-Presse.

In Seattle, rainbow-themed celebrations will reach their peak outside the stadium throughout the weekend, with Pride fan zones, citywide decorations, art competitions, and dedicated routes for shops that publicly express support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Iran before facing Egypt in the 2026 World Cup. (AFP)

Will rainbow flags and rainbow symbols be raised at the match?

The organizing committee, which pledged “that all residents and visitors will enjoy the hospitality, respect, and dignity that characterize our region,” stated that this is “more than just a match, it is a citywide celebration of seeing others and belonging to a community within the framework of the World Cup.”

The International Football Federation, FIFA, confirmed that rainbow colored symbols will be available inside the Seattle stadium, despite objections from Iran and Egypt.

In its statement, the federation said: “The 2026 World Cup is an inclusive event. We welcome fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Messages supporting human rights, such as rainbow flags and other symbols representing gender identity, are permitted under FIFA’s code of conduct inside stadiums.”

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan comments

While both national federations publicly expressed rejection of any link to Pride related celebrations, the two coaches avoided addressing the issue during Thursday’s press conference, emphasizing their desire to “focus on football.”

Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan said: “We are only focused on football. FIFA and the federation handle the organizational and administrative aspects. As for us, our focus is on the pitch. As I said, we respect everyone and are committed to the principles of respect and fair play, but our main focus remains the match.”

Hossam Hassan. (AFP)

As for Iran’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, he said: “All our thoughts are focused on football, and it is positive. We are concentrating on the pitch, not on what will happen around it.”

However, there is another symbol that Iranian officials do not want to see: the flag of the former regime, which features a lion and sun. It was visibly present during the first two matches of the national team, despite being banned by FIFA to varying degrees due to its “political message.”

Amir Ghalenoei. (AFP)

A decisive clash between Iran and Egypt in the 2026 World Cup

On the pitch, Iran, who have two points after draws with New Zealand (2–2) and Belgium (0–0), are aiming to secure their first-ever qualification to the knockout stages in their World Cup history.

A victory would give them qualification at the expense of Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, who hold a slight advantage with four points after a draw against the “Red Devils” (1–1) and a win over New Zealand (3–1).

After considering itself disadvantaged since the beginning of the tournament and affected by chaotic preparations due to the war in the Middle East, Iran’s national team received eased travel restrictions to enter the United States. They were able to arrive in Seattle on Wednesday from Tijuana, Mexico, two days before kickoff, after having been denied entry for matches in Los Angeles.