Mexican soccer fans have again used a banned homophobic chant during World Cup matches, putting FIFA under renewed pressure to discipline tournament co-host Mexico.
The slur was heard five minutes into the round of 32 match against Ecuador in Mexico City on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, directed at Ecuadorian goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez.
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It was the second fixture in the tournament where Mexican supporters deployed the phrase.
During the group stage on June 24, fans chanted the same slur at least three times in Mexico's 3-0 victory over Czechia, according to reports from Associated Press, Yahoo Sports, and Fox News.
FIFA's Protocol Not Enforced
FIFA's updated disciplinary code includes a three-step protocol allowing referees to stop, suspend, or abandon matches in case of discriminatory incidents.
However, officials allowed play to continue without interruption in both games.
Previous incidents have led to penalties for the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), including a $65,000 fine and orders to play two World Cup qualifiers in empty stadiums.
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In 2021, the FMF released videos featuring players warning fans of ejection, but the measures have not stopped the behavior.
Implementing stadium bans or match suspensions during the 2026 World Cup is logistically complex because Mexico is a co-host, with matches scheduled in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey.
Geopolitical tensions added to the atmosphere around Tuesday's match.
Diplomatic ties between Mexico and Ecuador have been severed since Ecuadorian authorities raided the Mexican embassy in Quito in April 2024.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday she would not discuss mending relations with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa until after the match.
