Mexico Struggles to Eliminate Homophobic Soccer Chant as World Cup Approaches

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Guadalajara, the capital of a Mexican state known for tequila and Mariachi music, is also infamous for a homophobic soccer chant. This chant has led to significant fines for Mexico over the past 20 years.

The derogatory term, which translates to "male prostitute" in Spanish, is expected to echo in Guadalajara's Akron stadium during Mexico's friendly match against the United States.

Despite efforts by FIFA and Mexican soccer officials to curb it, the chant remains prevalent in both club and national team matches. It is especially common during games between Mexico and the United States, who will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada. The last encounter between these teams saw the referee halt play twice due to such chants.

Persistent Issue Despite Sanctions

In March, during the CONCACAF Nations League final in Texas, homophobic chants from Mexican fans caused game interruptions. A similar incident occurred last year in Las Vegas. Many fans in Guadalajara, a city with a rich soccer history and multiple top-league teams, view the chant as harmless banter aimed at opposing teams.

"Soccer is still a party, and the chant is just for fun. People who yell it mean no offence to the rival," said Luis Gallardo, a local fan wearing Mexico's national team shirt. He believes the tradition will persist despite ongoing controversies.

Efforts to Educate Fans

The Mexican soccer federation has faced numerous fines from FIFA for discriminatory behaviour by fans. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they were fined 100,000 Swiss francs (USD 114,000) for two incidents. Although Mexico appealed these penalties, they have launched campaigns urging fans to avoid discriminatory chants.

In 2022, the federation threatened five-year stadium bans for fans using the slur. Former federation president Yon de Luisa stated that regardless of intent, what matters is how others perceive it. "If it is discriminatory, we should avoid it," he said before resigning after Mexico's poor World Cup performance.

Debate Over Cultural Context

The chant's origins trace back to a 2004 Olympic qualifier between Mexico and the US in Guadalajara. It spread across Mexican stadiums with Atlas club fans leading its use. Francisco Acuña, an Atlas supporter, views it as an emotional outlet during games that shouldn't be taken seriously.

However, not everyone agrees with this perspective. Andoni Bello, an LGBTQ+ activist and critic of the chant, argues that it is clearly homophobic as it degrades individuals with sexual insults. Bello insists that Mexico must eliminate this chant before hosting 13 World Cup games in 2026.

Calls for Change Ahead of World Cup

Bello urges tournament organisers to collaborate with the LGBTQ+ community to address this issue effectively. "It's not just taking their pictures and saying that they are against homophobia in stadiums," he said. He sees an opportunity to educate Mexican fans before the world turns its attention to them.

Reflecting on past events like the 1986 World Cup where Mexico became famous for the "Mexican wave," Bello hopes that by eradicating this chant, Mexico can be known for positive celebrations rather than homophobia.