Homophobic Chant Resurfaces in Mexican Soccer Before 2026 World Cup

A persistent homophobic chant among Mexican soccer fans has resurfaced prominently in recent matches, raising concerns about potential disruptions and sanctions at the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host.

The chant, a Spanish slur meaning "male prostitute," has targeted opposing goalkeepers during goal kicks for over two decades, particularly in games involving Mexico's national team, known as El Tri. It gained international attention during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and reappeared in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022, prompting FIFA fines and other penalties. Mexican officials initially defended the expression as culturally specific and not directed at gay individuals, but social media campaigns launched before the 2018 tournament failed to curb it. In Russia, the chant led to Mexico's first-ever World Cup qualifying matches played behind closed doors at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.

FIFA has long battled discrimination in soccer through fines, stadium closures, points deductions, and player bans, partnering with the Fare Network to deploy observers at all World Cup games to monitor chants and banners. Mexico currently faces pending appeals at the Court of Arbitration...