Iran Rejects "Pride Match" Label for 2026 World Cup Clash Against Egypt; President Calls it "Unreasonable Decision"

The Iranian Football Federation has expressed its categorical rejection of labeling its match against the Egyptian national team, in the third round of the 2026 World Cup group stage, as a "Pride Match." The federation described the decision as "unreasonable," especially given that same-sex relations are criminalized in both countries.

Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, told state television, as quoted by Spanish newspaper Marca: "Both we and Egypt have protested. It is an unreasonable decision that seems to support a specific group, and we will undoubtedly deal with this matter."

The match between Iran and Egypt is scheduled to take place at Lumen Field in Seattle, USA, on June 26. This date coincides with the beginning of Seattle's Pride Weekend, leading the local organizing committee to dedicate the fixture to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Conversely, the Seattle Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC), an entity not affiliated with FIFA, confirmed that it would proceed with its plans to celebrate the event.