Iran’s national team has confirmed its complete rejection of any LGBT events or celebrations during the Egypt-Iran match.

The showdown is scheduled for six am Cairo time on Saturday, in the third round of Group G, at Lloyd Field in Seattle.

Egypt leads Group G with four points, while Iran is in second place with two points, ahead of Belgium on goal difference. New Zealand is at the bottom of the group with one point.

Iran puts its foot down

The Seattle 2026 World Cup Organizing Committee announced a press conference, Thursday, to reveal details of the Pride Month celebrations planned near the Egypt-Iran match at Lloyd Field.

A spokesperson for the Iranian national team told The Athletic: “The Iranian Football Federation takes this matter very seriously and has clearly communicated its position to FIFA.”

“Iran and Egypt are Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious ties, and the views expressed by both countries reflect the shared values and beliefs of their people.”

He said, “Our position is that no celebrations or promotional activities related to this gesture should take place inside the stadium or as part of the match atmosphere. FIFA has been informed of this position through official channels.”

The Iranian national team spokesperson declined to explicitly name what the “gesture” is.

He added, “We believe that FIFA should take into account the views and concerns of the participating teams when considering matters related to the match environment.”

“FIFA has been informed of this shared position from both countries, and it is expected that they will take the necessary steps to ensure that no celebrations or related promotional activities take place inside the stadium or as part of the official match environment.”

Pride month conflict

This comes in response to the Seattle local organizing committee’s decision to designate the Egypt-Iran match as a “Pride Match,” which would include a gay pride parade, despite Egypt and Iran issuing statements rejecting the event, which they say directly contradicts the cultural, religious, and social values of Arab and Muslim societies.

Reuters quoted a member of the Seattle World Cup local organizing committee, Heda McLendon, as saying, “Pride celebrations have been held this weekend for over 50 years.”

The director of an LGBT club, June Kearns, also told Reuters, “They’re not going to stop the World Cup broadcasts on television in Iran or Egypt to block the Pride flag.”

He added: “Let’s celebrate. Sport has historically been one of the most important drivers of social change and individual rights and freedoms around the world, including in the US.”

A FIFA spokesperson told Reuters: “The Pride match is an initiative of the host city and is separate from FIFA.”

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm

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