• Iran's football chief criticizes 'Pride Match' branding as 'irrational'.
• Egypt’s Football Association calls for prohibiting LGBTQ+ activities during the match.
• Both countries emphasize cultural and religious sensitivities regarding LGBTQ+ issues.

Officials from Iran have opposed the branding of their World Cup 2026 match against Egypt as a “Pride Match,” labeling the decision an "irrational move." Mehdi Taj, head of Iran's Football Federation, stated that both Tehran and Cairo have raised concerns regarding the planned celebrations coinciding with Seattle's Pride Weekend, suggesting it supports a specific group, which they view unfavorably. The match is set for June 26, and Iran's authorities are also looking into potential visa issues for their players related to military service, particularly with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps being designated a terrorist organization by the US, creating further complications for the event according to aljazeera.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), which dispatched a formal letter to FIFA requesting the prohibition of any LGBTQ+ related activities during the World Cup fixture. This request stems from a belief that such events would clash with the prevalent cultural and religious values in Egypt and Iran, where LGBTQ+ rights are restricted. The EFA articulated a need for the match to maintain an atmosphere free from any contrasting beliefs, urging FIFA to adhere to its own statutes which emphasize neutrality during competitions, as reported by Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The EFA's letter specifically warned that any promotional activities for LGBTQ+ rights during the match could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities among fans from both nations. Reports indicated that plans for LGBTQ+ events around the match were arranged prior to the confirmation of the fixture, leading to heightened tensions surrounding the match's branding. In Iran, same-sex relations carry severe legal repercussions, including the possibility of a death penalty, reflecting the deep-rooted penalties present in both countries against LGBTQ+ activities, as stated by Reuters, Channel News Asia, and aljazeera.