Robert, a longtime supporter of the England national side and a founding member of the LGBT+ fan collective Three Lions Pride, announced that he will not be travelling to the 2026 World Cup. His decision reflects a growing unease among queer supporters about the safety of attending the tournament in North America.
A Community Built on Inclusion
Three Lions Pride was launched ahead of the Russia World Cup to create a safe, inclusive space for queer football fans and their allies. Since then the group has become a visible voice for LGBTQI+ supporters across European football, helping many feel seen and supported for the first time.
While progress has been made in the United Kingdom and much of continental Europe, Robert warns that the patchwork of state laws in the United States, coupled with a broader rollback of trans rights, makes the 2026 tournament a risky proposition for LGBT+ fans.
He points to the stark contrast between the welcoming atmosphere at home and the environment that awaits supporters in North America, where legislation in several states threatens the safety of trans and non‑binary fans.
The Silence From FIFA
The lack of engagement from FIFA and tournament organizers has left many in the community feeling abandoned. The governing body, once celebrated as a unifier of the global game, now appears indifferent to the very people it claims to celebrate.
Robert stresses that the silence is not neutral; it signals a willingness to overlook the potential for abuse, physical altercations and police involvement that could endanger LGBT+ attendees.
A Partnership for Accountability
In response, Three Lions Pride will work alongside Amnesty International to hold FIFA accountable. By amplifying the voices of queer fans and demanding concrete safeguards, the coalition hopes to force the organization to reconsider its approach to inclusivity.
Robert remains hopeful that the global love of football can be reclaimed, but only if governing bodies take responsibility and ensure that stadiums become spaces where everyone can cheer without fear.