Tournament organisers scheduled a themed “Pride Match” for June 26 in Seattle a date chosen long before the final draw. However, last week’s draw placed Egypt and Iran in that exact fixture, creating immediate tension given that homosexuality remains illegal in both nations.

The Egyptian Football Association has now written directly to FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, rejecting the initiative “in absolute terms” and urging the organization to cancel any LGBTQ+-related displays or activities connected to the game.

In its letter, the EFA argued that while FIFA promotes a welcoming environment for all fans, events tied to LGBTQ+ visibility could provoke cultural or religious sensitivities among supporters from both countries. The federation also referenced FIFA’s own commitments to respecting local traditions and identities, insisting that the match should focus solely on football.

Seattle’s local organizing committee responded by reaffirming its intention to proceed with the planned programming around the city. Representatives emphasized the region’s long-standing support for inclusivity and highlighted the strong Iranian-American and Egyptian communities living in the Pacific Northwest.

The match also falls during Seattle Pride weekend and just two days before the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots a defining moment in LGBTQ+ rights history meaning the city expects large celebrations regardless of FIFA’s final decision.

For now, the dispute places FIFA in a delicate position, balancing its public commitment to inclusion with the cultural concerns of participating nations. As preparations intensify, the world football body faces mounting pressure to clarify whether the Pride Match will go ahead as originally planned.