Mexico sweep Group A but face sanctions over homophobic chant

Mexico topped Group A with three straight wins at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but now face potential disciplinary action after fans directed a homophobic chant at an opposing goalkeeper.

According to the AP and other outlets, the slur was heard from the stands during Thursday's Group A match between Mexico and Czech Republic at Estadio Ciudad de México, just as Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar prepared to take a goal kick.

Mexican fans have a long-standing habit of shouting "puto" the moment an opposing goalkeeper strikes a goal kick. The Spanish word can mean a male prostitute, a gay man or a coward.

The chant first drew widespread attention at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when FIFA declined to punish Mexico, saying there was no evidence the term was being used to demean gay people. FIFA reversed course the following year, ruling that the chant carries discriminatory connotations, and has consistently sanctioned the Mexican Football Federation since then.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Mexican fans directed the chant at Germany during the group stage, resulting in a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs (about 190 million won, $144,000). The federation was hit with the same penalty at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Given that FIFA has held the Mexican Football Federation accountable each time the chant has been heard, the federation appears unlikely to escape punishment this time either.

Meanwhile, Mexico routed Czech Republic 3-0 on Thursday to advance to the round of 32 alongside South Africa, which finished second in the group with one win, one draw and one loss — including a victory over South Korea.