Mexico faces scrutiny for homophobic chants ahead of World Cup
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 2:55 PM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
The Mexican national team is in the spotlight due to its fans' use of a homophobic chant, "puto," directed at opposing goalkeepers during matches. This chant, which emerged in the mid-2000s, has been controversial and led to significant fines from FIFA, including a $114,000 penalty in January 2023. Calls for the chant's discontinuation have been emphasized by LGBTQ+ activists, highlighting its damaging implications. As El Tri prepares for matches at the 2026 World Cup at venues like the Azteca Stadium, the future of this chant remains uncertain amidst ongoing scrutiny.
- •Fans chant "puto" while opposing goalkeepers prepare for goal kicks.
- •FIFA fined Mexico over $114,000 for homophobic chants in January 2023.
- •The chant's origins date back to the mid-2000s in club-level matches.
- •Activists are urging a change in fan behavior regarding homophobic language.
- •Mexico's matches will occur at historic venues during the 2026 World Cup.
- 2:55 PMYahoo Sports — What does Mexico chant during soccer games? Explaining homophobic slur meaning and FIFA's failure to stop it
"El Tri's raucous fanbase has been the subject of scrutiny due to its use of a homophobic and deeply dehumanizing slur during games.
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