Row over gay celebrations at World Cup match

The organisation behind the LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' at the 2026 World Cup says it intends to push forward with plans despite Egypt objecting to Fifa.

- 

The Egyptian Football Association said it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting the celebrations around their group game against Iran do not go ahead.

The local organising committee in Seattle, one of the host cities for the tournament next summer, said the match at Lumen Field on 26 June will feature celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community.

Seattle will host the Group G match between Egypt and Iran - countries where homosexuality is illegal.

In a statement on Tuesday the Egyptian FA said it has sent a formal letter to Fifa secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, rejecting "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.