The big blot on the beautiful game | On racism in football
The French national football team has faced significant racial abuse during the FIFA World Cup, including attacks on captain Kylian Mbappe. Despite efforts by FIFA and UEFA to curb racism, the issue remains a persistent challenge within the sport's fan culture.
Why it matters
The persistence of racism in professional sports highlights the limitations of current governing body policies and the ongoing struggle for inclusivity in global football.
France is gearing up to play its third consecutive semi-final at the FIFA World Cup . Having won the title in 2018 and lost the final in 2022, France is a favourite to go all the way this year too and could join West Germany and Brazil in the elite club of final ‘three-peat’ with a win against Spain on Tuesday (July 14, 2026). However, while France has been celebrated for their strong performances and champion mentality, this tournament saw them being at the receiving end of one of the most despised aspects of football, the racism that seems to be following it. From chants of people in rival nations' jerseys questioning the heritage of French players to a Paraguayan Senator launching a blatant racist attack on the French captain and their talisman striker, Kylian Mbappe, the Blues have had to keep their focus on the ball on and off the pitch to avoid being distracted by the noises.
The article discusses a social issue within sports, maintaining a balanced perspective on the efforts of governing bodies versus the reality of fan behavior.
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