Mexico faces FIFA punishment: Infamous chant returns despite ban. The Mexican national team’s historic 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the World Cup round of 32, which secured their place in the knockout stage, has been overshadowed by the reemergence of the homophobic “puto” chant from fans at the Estadio Azteca. This incident, which occurred during Ecuador goalkeeper’s goal kicks, threatens to trigger disciplinary action from FIFA, as the chant has been heard at a fourth consecutive World Cup despite years of campaigns against it.
Mexico faces FIFA punishment for the chant, which translates to “male prostitute” and is deemed discriminatory. The Mexican Football Federation had launched the “La Ola Sí, El Grito No” campaign to eliminate it, but the chant reportedly surfaced during the team’s opening match and again during the 2-0 win over Ecuador, where goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez extended Mexico’s streak to four wins without conceding. This victory has set up a Round of 16 clash with England on July 6.
Mexico faces FIFA punishment after past sanctions failed to stop the behavior. The Court of Arbitration for Sport recently upheld a fine of 140,000 Swiss francs against the federation for similar chants in 2024, though it overturned a stadium closure penalty. Anti-discrimination monitors, active across the 2026 World Cup, have documented the latest incident, leaving FIFA to decide on further measures. Sports journalist Matt Slater noted that financial fines have not solved the problem and suggested fan self-policing as the solution.
As Mexico prepares for the high-profile match against England, the potential disciplinary action from FIFA could become a distraction. The team’s on-field success, including becoming the first since Italy in 1990 to win four opening matches without conceding, now risks being overshadowed by this persistent issue.