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Football still has a homophobia problem. Pride flags aren’t enough in FIFA World Cup

FIFA’s decision to allow pride flags at the Iran vs Egypt World Cup match has caused a stir online. And yet, FIFA has held firm on its principle of inclusivity.

FIFA has allowed pride flags in the stands for the Egypt versus Iran match during the 2026 World Cup in Seattle, despite opposition from the two player nations where homosexuality is criminalised — potentially punishable by death in Iran. The decision has caused a stir online, with some fans arguing queerness has no place on the field. And yet, FIFA has held firm on its principle of inclusivity.

It is a welcome move on the surface, but symbolic solidarity and a few pride flags hardly translate to systematic change on the ground.

Football has always shared a complicated relationship with LGBTQIA issues. Homophobia remains deeply pervasive among fans, as evidenced by the backlash to this very match. Social media and stadium chatter have often overflowed with derogatory comments, revealing not just resistance to Pride symbols but a broader discomfort with queer visibility in the sport. 

One need only look at what happened recently in Toronto during this World Cup, where a German supporter named Alex was brutally beaten after his group waved a rainbow flag following Germany’s match. The assault started........

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