FIFA faces pressure to discipline 2026 World Cup co-host Mexico after anti-gay chant returns vs Czechia

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An anti-gay slur that has been chanted by Mexico fans could lead to discipline from FIFA for the squad of one of the host countries in the 2026 World Cup.

There were at least three instances during Mexico’s 3-0 victory over Czechia on Wednesday night where the anti-gay slur was chanted by fans.

This specific chant has caused stoppages in play during past matches, and has even led to fines for Mexico. However, officials allowed play to continue despite it being heard throughout the crowd.

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Mexican fans hold letters spelling "Mexico" while cheering during the 2026 World Cup Group A match between the Czech Republic and Mexico at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 24, 2026. (Carl De Souza/AFP via Getty Images)

The chant is directed at the opposing goalkeeper, and though FIFA has tried to get the fans to stop, it made its return on Wednesday night.

Now, it’s up to FIFA to try to potentially discipline Mexico again amid a solid start to its tournament.

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During the 2018 World Cup, FIFA showed it would discipline a country for its fans’ actions. It was Mexico they made an example of, as fans performed the same chant during a victory over Germany. The team was eventually fined by FIFA for the chant.

The discipline worked, at least in the short term. In Mexico’s next match against South Korea that year, the chant wasn’t 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