Egypt protests planned pride celebrations for World Cup game vs. Iran Reuters December 9, 2025 at 8:55 PM 0 Egypt's Football Association said on Tuesday it had sent a letter to FIFA urging the governing body to prevent any LGBTQ+ Priderelated activities during the national team's World Cup match against Iran in Seattle next June. The EFA argues in the letter that such events would clash with the cultural and religious values of the nations participating in the match. The fixture on June 26 has been designated by local organisers as a "Pride Match" to coincide with Seattle's Pride weekend.
- - Egypt protests planned pride celebrations for World Cup game vs. Iran
Reuters December 9, 2025 at 8:55 PM
0
Egypt's Football Association said on Tuesday it had sent a letter to FIFA urging the governing body to prevent any LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during the national team's World Cup match against Iran in Seattle next June.
The EFA argues in the letter that such events would clash with the cultural and religious values of the nations participating in the match.
The fixture on June 26 has been designated by local organisers as a "Pride Match" to coincide with Seattle's Pride weekend.
The two nations involved in the match - Egypt and Iran - impose severe penalties on LGBTQ+ people.
Reports said the plans, which include LGBTQ+ celebrations and artwork displays around the stadium and across Seattle, were drawn up before the tournament draw confirmed the Group G fixture.
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In its letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, the EFA said it "categorically rejects any activities promoting LGBTQ during the match," warning that such events could "provoke cultural and religious sensitivities among fans."
"These activities directly conflict with the cultural, religious and social values of the region, particularly in Arab and Islamic societies," the EFA wrote.
"While FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful environment that welcomes all fans, it is essential to avoid activities that could spark tension or misunderstanding between supporters from Egypt and Iran."
"We call on FIFA to guarantee that the match takes place in an atmosphere focused solely on sport and free from displays that contradict the beliefs of the participating nations."
The EFA said its position was based on FIFA's statutes, "specifically Article 4, which emphasizes neutrality in political and social matters during FIFA competitions," and on disciplinary regulations that require tournaments to remain free of "manifestations that could cause tension or conflict among fans."
In Iran, same-sex relations can carry the death penalty, while in Egypt morality laws are often used to prosecute LGBTQ+ people.
The event is organised by the local committee and is not affiliated with FIFA. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by email.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA threatened yellow cards for players wearing the "OneLove" armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights, prompting teams including England and Wales to abandon plans to use it.
Brazil – 23rd appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Brazil – 23rd appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/yM61VmQ class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Brazil – 23rd appearance
">Brazil – 23rd appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/yM61VmQ class=caas-img>United States of America – 12th appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>United States of America – 12th appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/SJjkzyq class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
United States of America – 12th appearance
">United States of America – 12th appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/SJjkzyq class=caas-img>Mexico – 18th appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Mexico – 18th appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/IJxvyU9 class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Mexico – 18th appearance
">Mexico – 18th appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/IJxvyU9 class=caas-img>England – 17th appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>England – 17th appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ihcLGra class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
England – 17th appearance
">England – 17th appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/ihcLGra class=caas-img>Portugal – ninth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Portugal – ninth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/9v3HYk0 class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Portugal – ninth appearance
">Portugal – ninth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/9v3HYk0 class=caas-img>France – 17th appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>France – 17th appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/yX5qbHN class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
France – 17th appearance
">France – 17th appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/yX5qbHN class=caas-img>Spain – 17th appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Spain – 17th appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/K1O5nbf class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Spain – 17th appearance
">Spain – 17th appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/K1O5nbf class=caas-img>Iran – seventh appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Iran – seventh appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/jYvbTd2 class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Iran – seventh appearance
">Iran – seventh appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/jYvbTd2 class=caas-img>Switzerland – 13th appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Switzerland – 13th appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/c8smKV5 class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Switzerland – 13th appearance
">Switzerland – 13th appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/c8smKV5 class=caas-img>Croatia – seventh appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Croatia – seventh appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Y4WIPZB class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Croatia – seventh appearance
">Croatia – seventh appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/Y4WIPZB class=caas-img>Australia – seventh appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Australia – seventh appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/qKGurE8 class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Australia – seventh appearance
">Australia – seventh appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/qKGurE8 class=caas-img>Morocco – seventh appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Morocco – seventh appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/driufLa class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Morocco – seventh appearance
">Morocco – seventh appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/driufLa class=caas-img>Austria – eighth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Austria – eighth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/hycwubI class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Austria – eighth appearance
">Austria – eighth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/hycwubI class=caas-img>Ecuador – fifth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Ecuador – fifth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/DcN98Ia class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Ecuador – fifth appearance
">Ecuador – fifth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/DcN98Ia class=caas-img>Senegal – fourth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Senegal – fourth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/cmqYEI1 class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Senegal – fourth appearance
">Senegal – fourth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/cmqYEI1 class=caas-img>South Korea – 12th appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>South Korea – 12th appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/9AmYI4e class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
South Korea – 12th appearance
">South Korea – 12th appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/9AmYI4e class=caas-img>Japan – eighth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Japan – eighth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7KPnZa3 class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Japan – eighth appearance
">Japan – eighth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/7KPnZa3 class=caas-img>Colombia – seventh appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Colombia – seventh appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/O6GC2vi class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Colombia – seventh appearance
">Colombia – seventh appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/O6GC2vi class=caas-img>Netherlands – 12th appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Netherlands – 12th appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/12vpWVs class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Netherlands – 12th appearance
">Netherlands – 12th appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/12vpWVs class=caas-img>Germany – 21st appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Germany – 21st appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ZIRMzxq class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Germany – 21st appearance
">Germany – 21st appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/ZIRMzxq class=caas-img>Belgium – 15th appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Belgium – 15th appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/N7kKbas class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Belgium – 15th appearance
">Belgium – 15th appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/N7kKbas class=caas-img>Canada – third appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Canada – third appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/pxhTFVX class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Canada – third appearance
">Canada – third appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/pxhTFVX class=caas-img>Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/CU8RutX class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
">Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/CU8RutX class=caas-img>Uzbekistan – first appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Uzbekistan – first appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/nfBTSZ2 class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Uzbekistan – first appearance
">Uzbekistan – first appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/nfBTSZ2 class=caas-img>Jordan – first appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Jordan – first appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/uhJLU8K class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Jordan – first appearance
">Jordan – first appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/uhJLU8K class=caas-img>Tunisia – seventh appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Tunisia – seventh appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/V5eXuIy class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Tunisia – seventh appearance
">Tunisia – seventh appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/V5eXuIy class=caas-img>South Africa – fourth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>South Africa – fourth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/FGDxT2e class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
South Africa – fourth appearance
">South Africa – fourth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/FGDxT2e class=caas-img>Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/I6vdJpY class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
">Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/I6vdJpY class=caas-img>Scotland – ninth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Scotland – ninth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/R261zDO class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Scotland – ninth appearance
">Scotland – ninth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/R261zDO class=caas-img>Algeria – fifth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Algeria – fifth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Z20WzwF class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Algeria – fifth appearance
">Algeria – fifth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/Z20WzwF class=caas-img>New Zealand – third appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>New Zealand – third appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/3k0rwQH class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
New Zealand – third appearance
">New Zealand – third appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/3k0rwQH class=caas-img>Paraguay – ninth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Paraguay – ninth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/RTSvXmr class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Paraguay – ninth appearance
">Paraguay – ninth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/RTSvXmr class=caas-img>Egypt – fourth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Egypt – fourth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/4IdXhnc class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Egypt – fourth appearance
">Egypt – fourth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/4IdXhnc class=caas-img>Cape Verde – first appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Cape Verde – first appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/eR2ikoM class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Cape Verde – first appearance
">Cape Verde – first appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/eR2ikoM class=caas-img>Qatar – second appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Qatar – second appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/seYdIzv class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Qatar – second appearance
">Qatar – second appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/seYdIzv class=caas-img>Norway – fourth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Norway – fourth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/6QhObMT class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Norway – fourth appearance
">Norway – fourth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/6QhObMT class=caas-img>Panama – second appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Panama – second appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/DnTSHiF class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Panama – second appearance
">Panama – second appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/DnTSHiF class=caas-img>Curacao – first appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Curacao – first appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/qne4Z3y class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Curacao – first appearance
">Curacao – first appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/qne4Z3y class=caas-img>Ghana – fifth appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Ghana – fifth appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/6dMNmLb class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Ghana – fifth appearance
">Ghana – fifth appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/6dMNmLb class=caas-img>Haiti – second appearance
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Haiti – second appearance
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ONrwK3x class=caas-img data-headline="Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the field so far" data-caption="
Haiti – second appearance
">Haiti – second appearance
" src=https://ift.tt/ONrwK3x class=caas-img>
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Brazil – 23rd appearance
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Egypt protests pride celebrations for 2026 World Cup game vs. Iran
Source: "AOL Sports"
Source: Sports
Published: December 10, 2025 at 01:27AM on Source: RED MAG
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