A wave of fans across Africa have openly backed Mexico over South Africa in their opening group match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reflecting deeper political tensions beyond sports. This shift in traditional football solidarity has sparked a xenophobia row across the continent. The incident highlights growing tensions and changing allegiances among African nations.
Africa’s traditional show of football solidarity changed across social media at the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as a wave of fans across the continent openly backed Mexico over South Africa in their opening group match, reflecting deeper political tensions beyond sports.