Mexico promotes campaign to eliminate the homophobic chant ahead of the 2026 World Cup

MEXICO CITY. – The Mexican Football Federation presented this Friday a new campaign aimed at eradicating the homophobic chant in stadiums and fostering an environment of positive support for the Mexican national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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Under the slogan “The Wave Yes, the shout No”, the initiative seeks to promote among fans the traditional “wave” in the stands as a symbol of encouragement to the national team, avoiding discriminatory expressions that have caused multiple economic and sporting sanctions by FIFA.

“The campaign aims to raise awareness among fans about the importance of supporting the Mexican national team with ‘the wave’ and not with discriminatory chants,” explained the federation in a statement.

To boost the project, the FMF brought together several former players who participated in the 1986 World Cup held in Mexico, including Fernando Quirarte, Luis Flores, Miguel España, Carlos de los Cobos, Félix Cruz, and Mario Alberto Trejo.

The campaign will be carried out in two stages and will feature audiovisual pieces distributed on digital platforms and during the preparation matches of the Mexican national team.

In a second phase, historical figures such as Hugo Sánchez, Manuel Negrete, and the current national team coach Javier Aguirre will be incorporated.

The protagonists also recalled the impact of “the wave” during the 1986 World Cup, considered one of the most remembered symbols of that World Cup held in Mexican territory.

“The wave was born in Mexico and it was impressive,” said Felix Cruz, while Luis Flores evoked the atmosphere experienced in the Azteca Stadium during that tournament.

The FMF noted that this initiative is part of the various campaigns developed jointly with the Liga MX to promote respect, inclusion, and positive support towards the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.