As the 2026 World Cup approaches, a renewed effort is underway to eradicate a persistent issue plaguing Mexican soccer: the homophobic chant that has long echoed in stadiums. LGBTQ+ activists, frustrated by the perceived inaction of the Mexican Soccer Federation (FMF), are now directly appealing to fans to abandon the offensive chant before the world's eyes turn to Mexico in 2026.
The chant in question, a Spanish-language slur that translates to "male prostitute," is commonly used when the opposing team's goalkeeper takes a goal kick. While some fans argue the word has different connotations in Mexican culture and is not intended as a homophobic insult, critics and FIFA have made it clear that the term is derogatory and demeaning to the gay community.
Over the past two decades, the chant has cost the FMF hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines from FIFA. In 2022, the federation threatened fans with five-year stadium bans for shouting the slur at games. Despite these measures, the chant persists, leading to match stoppages and further sanctions. FIFA has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and has the authority to impose penalties such as fines, the loss of points, and even exclusion from tournaments.
The FMF has launched campaigns to discourage the chant, featuring stadium announcements and the involvement of soccer stars and celebrities. However, Andoni Bello, an LGBTQ+ activist and former amateur soccer player, believes more needs to be done. Bello urges tournament organizers to actively engage with the LGBTQ+ community to develop effective strategies to combat the issue, emphasizing that simply including LGBTQ+ imagery in promotional materials is insufficient.
The origins of the chant are traced back to a 2004 Olympic qualifier match between Mexico and the United States in Guadalajara. Guadalajara is scheduled to host four World Cup games in 2026, making the eradication of the chant particularly important for the city. While some fans in Guadalajara claim the chant is harmless and intended only to taunt opposing teams, its impact extends beyond mere rivalry.
FIFA's anti-discrimination policy allows referees to stop matches when discriminatory behavior occurs, followed by a public service announcement. If the behavior continues, the match can be suspended and eventually abandoned. In 2021, the FMF warned that referees were authorized to halt or suspend matches if the chant persisted.
The concern is that the continued use of the chant will tarnish Mexico's image during the 2026 World Cup, which it is co-hosting with the United States and Canada. Activists hope that by appealing directly to fans, they can foster a sense of responsibility and encourage a change in behavior. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will be successful in stamping out the homophobic chant and creating a more inclusive atmosphere in Mexican soccer stadiums.
