Iran To Lodge Official Complaint Over World Cup Match As FIFA Appeal Planned

Iran will launch an official complaint to FIFA over one of their 2026 World Cup group stage matches, it has been reported.

The Asian nation have been drawn alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group G.

They kick off their tournament against New Zealand on June 15, before fixtures against Belgium (June 21) and Egypt (June 26).

All three of those matches will take place in the United States, with California (twice) and Washington D.C. as hosts.

Prior to the draw, the Egypt fixture on June 26, in Seattle, Washington, had been assigned by local organisers as the World Cup's official 'Pride Match'.

It will 'feature celebrations on the LGBTQ+ community', with local organisers in Seattle explaining to Outsports: "Soccer has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures and beliefs.

"We are honoured 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."

However, homosexuality is illegal in both Egypt and Iran.

In Iran, LGBTQ+ relationships are punishable by death, while they are not strictly criminalised in Egypt but can be punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 17 years under morality laws.

According to Iranian state television, Iran are planning to launch an official appeal with FIFA over the match.

The head of the nation's football federation, Mehdi Taj, said (as per ISNA) that both nations had raised 'objections against the issue', which is described as an 'irrational move that supports a certain group'.

It is unclear as to what action FIFA can or would take, as it is reported that they do not have any involvement in plans for the branding of the match.

Eric Wahl, a member of the Pride Match Advisory Committee and the brother of the late US journalist Grant Wahl, wrote on Twitter: "The Egypt v Iran match in Seattle in June just happens to be the Pride match & I think that is a good thing, actually. (There are LGBTQAI+ people everywhere. All are welcome to be themselves in Seattle)."

What is the 'Pride Match'?

According to BBC Sport, local artists have been invited to submit designs and citywide displays that will be used for the Pride Match.

Seattle's Pride Weekend begins three days after the Egypt versus Iran fixture, hence the specific date for the match.

The committee confirmed that plans for the match were put in place 'well in advance'.

While FIFA have ultimate control over sponsorship and branding for each fixture, The Athletic reported last month that each host city can collect revenue from 'fan festivals in non-competing categories'.

In comments unrelated to the 'Pride Match', US President Donald Trump has threatened to move certain World Cup fixtures - including those hosted by Seattle - if host cities cannot guarantee safety.

All four host locations that Republican president Trump named - Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco alongside Seattle - are all part of states that were won by the Democratic Party during the 2024 US presidential election.

According to the Seattle Times, Washington D.C.'s largest city is expected to welcome over 750,000 visitors during the 2026 World Cup.

Mayor Bruce Harrell said in November: "We're working every day to make the World Cup a safe, welcoming and fun experience for both residents and visitors to our city and will continue to advance plans with local partners to ensure we make the most of this special event."