England World Cup star Harry Kane embraces gay inclusion on the pitch
Although there are no out gay footballers at World Cup 2026, these 8 players from tournament squads are on the record as LGBTQ advocates.
Mark
Since the ‘OneLove’ saga at the last men’s World Cup, there haven’t been many examples of an international soccer player saying that a gay teammate coming out would have his support, or speaking about other LGBTQ-related matters.
Several teams and their federations talked a good game on human rights before Qatar 2022, only for FIFA to stop them communicating their values via a colorful captain’s armband when the tournament kicked off.
FIFA did allow a similar design for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, branding it “Unite for Inclusion,” but this is not among the armband options for the 2026 men’s tournament. Ultimately, it feels like a player would have to directly say something (anything!) if they would like to inspire LGBTQ people at this World Cup.
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Only a fraction of this year’s contingent of 1,248 players in the 48 tournament squads have ever done that in a meaningful way. We’ve already highlighted four of them in our look at the “active allies” on the U.S. men’s national-team roster.
Related
Meet 4 USMNT World Cup stars who are all in on gay inclusion in soccer
The final U.S. 26-man roster for the World Cup has been named. At least four members of the squad are on the record as being welcoming of gay players and fans.
Here are eight players from six of the other competing nations for whom there’s evidence that they are on the side of the LGBTQ community…
Borja Iglesias (Spain)
The Celta Vigo forward has consistently taken a stand against homophobia, having been targeted with gay slurs for his painted nails. Earlier this year, Iglesias defiantly shared some of the online unpleasantries, prompting La Liga to put out anti-homophobia messaging. In an interview with AS, he explained his dedication to the cause, stating, “What bothers me is that a gay person is afraid to come out because of these kinds of reactions… the fight against homophobia is essential.”
Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
The Manchester United captain has lent his voice in support of his club’s LGBTQ inclusion initiatives and the Premier League’s campaigns, drawing praise from United’s Rainbow Devils fan group. “We know how important it is for everyone to feel they’re involved… [the rainbow armband] is a sign of respect,” said Fernandes in 2024. The Portuguese midfielder also commented with a clapping hands emoji on Jakub Jankto’s social media post when the Czech midfielder came out as gay the year before.
@officialrainbowdevils Lovely to see United Captain Bruno Fernandes speaking about the importance of inclusion ahead of the team's Rainbow Laces game against Everton #RainbowLaces #Brunofernandes #premierleague #manchesterunited ♬ original sound – Rainbow Devils
Harry Kane (England)
Kane said he wanted to wear the OneLove armband at the last World Cup and was “disappointed” when FIFA banned it. Either side of that, he has worn the rainbow armband several times when captaining England in Pride Month, and said on Instagram he was “proud” to do so. When teenage footballer Jake Daniels came out as gay, Kane posted on X to say “massive credit” and later added: “It was a really important message he sent, and I am sure if there are more players who do that, men or women, it will make a big impact, especially on the younger generation.”
Jackson Irvine (Australia)
Captain of St. Pauli, probably the world’s most queer-friendly men’s pro soccer club, Irvine wrote about having LGBTQ family members and friends in an op-ed for players’ union FIFPRO on the eve of the last World Cup. At the same time, the midfielder also spearheaded a Socceroos video statement about human rights that referenced Qatar’s anti-gay laws. Last year, he used social media to criticize the English FA’s blanket ban on trans women in affiliated women’s football, later telling Sky Sports it was “really disappointing” to see.
Leon Goretzka (Germany)
When UEFA blocked Munich’s stadium from lighting up in rainbow colors ahead of Germany’s Euro 2020 match against Hungary, Goretzka took matters into his own hands. He celebrated his crucial equalizer by forming a heart with his hands in front of the opposition fans and tweeted a photo of the moment alongside a Pride rainbow flag emoji. Then, in the build-up to the last World Cup, Goretzka publicly condemned “unacceptable” comments by a Qatari ambassador for the tournament who had described homosexuality as “damage in the mind.”
Manuel Neuer (Germany)
As early as 2011, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper was encouraging gay athletes to come out, telling Bunte magazine that it would “take a load off their mind.” In more recent times, Neuer has often worn a rainbow captain’s armband, including for Germany at the Euros during Pride Month five years ago (even making it visible in the mixed zone). He was also part of the German team’s on-field ‘silenced’ advocacy against FIFA’s OneLove armband ban at the 2022 World Cup.
Marcus Rashford (England)
Rashford tweeted a powerful message of solidarity to Josh Cavallo when the Australian came out as gay in 2021, saying: “I know this took a lot of courage, Josh. Know that the entire football community stands with you.” He added, “Enjoy this freedom now, enjoy your peace.” The Manchester United forward, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona, has also shown support for Pride in his home city, praising its “welcoming” vibe.
I know this took a lot of courage Josh. Know that the entire football community stands with you. Enjoy this freedom now, enjoy your peace. So much respect for you brother ????????????????@JoshuaCavallo https://t.co/A3eFubgPlr— MR14 (@MarcusRashford) October 27, 2021
Patrick Berg (Norway)
Berg is the captain of Norway’s Bodø/Glimt, and after a late goal sealed a win for his club in a league game at Kristiansund in May 2024, he confronted a fan who was shouting gay slurs. Speaking to Norwegian TV afterwards, the defensive midfielder said: “That should not be accepted anywhere in our society. So when no one around speaks up, I feel someone has to speak up.”
@vgsporten Patrick Berg reagerte på homohets mot Glimt-spillerne. #fyp #eliteserien ♬ original sound – VG Sporten
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