Egypt wants Fifa to cancel World Cup pride match in Seattle
Officials from Seattle’s local organising committee told the BBC that the LGBTQ+ programming forms part of broader city events rather than activity occurring inside Lumen Field, where Egypt and Iran are slated to play on 26 June.
The concept, they said, predates the tournament draw and was drafted without knowledge of which countries would eventually compete in Seattle.
Under Fifa’s hosting model, local committees handle city logistics and fan experiences, while the global governing body retains authority over what happens inside official venues. Seattle officials stressed that their programming is confined to public spaces around the city, not to the match itself.
Hana Tedesse, communications vice-president for Seattle Fifa World Cup 2026, said in a statement to the BBC that the region hopes to welcome visitors “in a way that reflects the values of the Pacific Northwest.”
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She noted that Seattle is home to long-established Iranian-American and Egyptian communities, adding that football “has a way of connecting people who might not otherwise share a space.”
Egypt urges Fifa to block LGBTQ+ programming
According to reporting by the BBC, Egypt’s football association has sent a letter to Fifa secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom asking the organisation to prevent Pride-related events tied to the match.
The federation wrote that such programming would conflict with “the cultural, religious and social values” of both Egypt and Iran and argued that Fifa should maintain neutrality at official matches.
Iranian coverage has also been critical. ISNA, a state-affiliated news agency, reported comments from Iran’s federation president, Mehdi Taj, who described the plans as an “irrational move.” However, the BBC reports that Iran has not submitted a formal appeal to Fifa.
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Scheduling complications
Seattle is set to host six World Cup fixtures, and shifting the Egypt–Iran match could be difficult. One earlier game, USA vs. Australia on 19 June, has been designated to mark Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Later matches involve Qatar, another country with laws that criminalise same-sex relationships. Tournament organisers have not indicated whether adjusting the schedule is feasible.
A recurring global debate
Controversies over LGBTQ+ visibility at major tournaments have surfaced before. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Fifa warned that captains wearing the OneLove armband would be booked, prompting criticism from several European teams.
Ahead of that event, then–UK foreign secretary James Cleverly suggested travelling fans show “a little bit of flex and compromise” regarding local laws remarks widely condemned by rights groups.
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The current dispute highlights lingering tensions between host cities that promote inclusivity and participating nations whose laws sharply restrict LGBTQ+ expression. It remains unclear whether Fifa will respond to Egypt’s latest request; the organisation did not comment when contacted by the BBC.
Sources: BBC, ISNA.
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