World Cup teams promote anti-hate speech message in Thursday matches

Eight teams competing in Thursday's World Cup matches, including Czechia, South Africa, Mexico, South Korea, Switzerland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, and Qatar, are participating in an International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Pre-match ceremonies feature an exchange of pennants bearing the message “We Play Together. We Stand Against Hate,” in English and the teams' native languages. FIFA has reported removing over 30 million abusive posts since the launch of its social media protection service before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including nearly 400,000 during the early days of the current tournament. Additional stadium activities promoting this message are planned throughout the day.

• 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Thursday's World Cup matches to have messaging denouncing hate speech