An anti-gay slur chanted by Mexican fans during a Czechia match is drawing scrutiny
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An anti-gay slur chanted by Mexican fans could lead to FIFA disciplinary action against the squad of one of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup.
There were at least three occasions during Mexico’s 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Wednesday night when fans shouted anti-gay slurs.
This particular song has caused a stoppage of play during previous matches, and even led to a penalty for Mexico. However, the officials allowed the game to continue even though it was heard from the crowd.
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Mexican fans hold the letters “Mexico” as they cheer during the 2026 World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 24, 2026. (Carl De Souza/AFP via Getty Images)
The chant was directed at an opposing goalkeeper, and although FIFA tried to get fans to stop, it returned on Wednesday night.
Now, it’s up to FIFA to try to punish Mexico again amid a strong start to their tournament.
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During the 2018 World Cup, FIFA indicated that it will punish the country for the actions of its fans. It was Mexico that they set an example of, as the fans sang the same song during their victory over Germany. The team ended up being fined by FIFA for this song.
The discipline worked, at least in the short term. In the next match between Mexico and South Korea that year, the song was not used. However, during the 2019 Gold Cup, the chant returned, and fans were urged to stop.
Alvaro Fidalgo of Mexico celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match against Czechia at Mexico City Stadium on June 24, 2026. (Lars Baron/Getty Images)
CONCACAF intervened, issuing a statement calling the song “offensive,” but reversed itself when the team faced the United States. Mexico ended up winning the Gold Cup that year, but FIFA moved quickly to revise its disciplinary code, where officials now have a three-step process to respond to “incidents of racism.”
That process started by pausing the play until the songs ended, and if that didn’t help, the game would be stopped. Then, if it reaches the third level, the game will be completely stopped.
The Mexican Football Federation also tried to stop the chants themselves. In 2021, the soccer association posted two videos, one calling the song “racist,” and the other showing prominent Mexican players telling fans not to use the song going forward. The messages also threatened to be released to those who started, or shared, the song.
Javier Aguirre, head coach of Mexico, looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and Korea Republic at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, June 18, 2026. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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Despite all efforts, it is clear that the Mexican fans do not want to listen. So, the ball is in FIFA’s court again to see if they will direct the punishments to the team.
The Mexican Football Federation was previously fined $65,000 by FIFA, and the team was forced to play two World Cup qualifiers in an empty stadium.
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