Even if Iran play at the World Cup, there will be further diplomatic tension over the planned 'Pride Match'

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Martin Macdonald | Author

There is current uncertainty over Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup due to the ongoing war with the United States and Israel.

The USA just happens to be one of the hosts of the tournament and that has led to major diplomatic issues for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is close friends with Donald Trump.

This week, Infantino confirmed that Iran would indeed take part in the competition, saying at the he said at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum in Washington. “Iranian team is coming, for sure

"We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come.”

Iran themselves have previously said that they will likely not participate after one initial bombing from the USA led to the death of their Supreme Leader.

However, even if Iran play at the tournament, FIFA faces another major issue due to a designated 'Pride Match' that is set to take place.

World Cup Pride Match

Before the World Cup group stage draw took place, Seattle decided to make one of their assigned group stage fixtures a 'Pride Match' to coincide with Pride celebrations throughout the city.

The official World Cup Seattle site explained: “With hundreds of thousands of visitors and millions of viewers tuning into Seattle during Pride Weekend, we are presented with a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. This moment allows us to educate the world, inspire our LGBTQ+ community, and uplift LGBTQ+ businesses and cultural organizations.”

In what has proved to be a diplomatic nightmare, that fixture turned out to be Iran versus Egypt and both of those nations criminalise homosexuality.

In December, the Egyptian football federation released a statement requesting any Pride celebrations be cancelled to reflect the country's culture.

The statement read: "The Egyptian Football Association explained in the letter that, while Fifa is committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all fans, and in order to maintain the spirit of unity and peace, it is necessary to avoid including activities that could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities between fans present from both countries, Egypt and Iran, especially since such activities are culturally and religiously incompatible with the two countries.

"The federation also relied on Fifa's established principle of respecting cultures and encouraging all parties to organise events in a way that respects the beliefs and identities of the participating communities.

"Therefore, in order to ensure that the match is held in an atmosphere of respect and focus solely on the sporting aspect, the Egyptian Federation categorically rejects these calls and demands that Fifa not hold any events or performances related to supporting homosexuality inside the stadium on matchday."

A source from the Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC) told OutSports that the event will go ahead with the Pride theme as planned.

“The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country, and it was planned well in advance," they said.

“It is a Host City–led expression of Seattle and Washington State’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone belongs: players, fans, residents, and visitors alike.

“Soccer has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. We are honored to host a Pride Match and to celebrate Pride as part of a global football community. This match reflects our ongoing commitment to respect, dignity, and unity for all.”

Due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the USA, the issue of this Pride Match hasn't been given much attention in the media.

Iran's entire participation in the tournamnet is, naturally, a larger issue that the Pride Match, but should they agree to feature in the competition the fixture against Egypt will be thrust into the spotlight again.

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Iran's laws

According to the Human Dignity Trust's profile of Iran: "Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Penal Code 2013, which criminalises acts of ‘livat’, ‘tafkhiz’, ‘musaheqeh’, and other intimate acts. These provisions carry a maximum penalty of death. Both men and women are criminalised under this law.

"These provisions have their origins in Islamic law, with Iran adopting a criminal code based upon Sharia principles. While same-sex acts have historically been criminalised in Iran and its predecessor states, there is evidence that they were largely tolerated until the 1979 Revolution.

"There is significant evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBT people being frequently subject to arrest, which can result in the imposition of the death penalty. There have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence being committed against LGBT people in recent years, including murder, assault, harassment, denial of basic rights and services."

Egypt's laws

The profile of Egypt reads: "Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Penal Code 1937 and Law 10/1961, which criminalises acts of ‘indecency’, ‘scandalous acts’, and ‘debauchery’. These provisions carry a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine. The local advocacy group Bedayaa reports that, in reality, some are convicted to up to six years in prison. Only men are criminalised under this law.

"These laws do not explicitly criminalise same-sex sexual activity but have been enforced, to varying degrees, against the LGBT community in recent decades. The provisions are of colonial origin, and their vagueness has allowed them to be applied to same-sex sexual activity over time.

"There is substantial evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBT people being frequently subject to arrest, especially since 2013 following an incident in which a pride flag was raised at a concert (see below). Police use a number of methods to arrest gay men, including using dating apps and social media to entrap them. Although arrests frequently result in conviction, reports suggest a high proportion are acquitted on appeal.

"There have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence being committed against LGBT people in Egypt, including abuse, harassment, forced anal examinations, and the forced payment of bribes."

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