Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, but the celebrations at the Estadio Azteca could be overshadowed by the possibility of a penalty after the controversial “puto” chant was heard from the home supporters. The song, which has repeatedly led to sanctions in the Mexican Football Federation in the last decade, appeared again in a knock-out victory, despite years of security awareness and previous FIFA sanctions aimed at eliminating it.
Mexico’s historic success was overshadowed by popular controversy
Mexico booked their place in the round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup victory at home. Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez ensured Javier Aguirre’s side continued their top-flight run, extending their record four consecutive wins without scoring. In doing so, Mexico also became the first country since Italy at the 1990 World Cup to win their opening four games without conceding a single goal.
Julian Quinones (16) of Mexico celebrates with teammates after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
The result also ensured a blockbuster Round of 16 meeting with England, after Thomas Tuchel’s team came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday through Harry Kane’s late goal. The two countries will meet at the Estadio Azteca on July 6 to enter the quarter-finals. However, amid the celebrations inside the arena, a recurring story emerged from the stands.
Anti-gay songs come back even after decades of campaigning
During the kick-off in Ecuador, some Mexican teams were heard chanting the single word “puto”, a song which means “male prostitute” in Spanish and has been branded racist and homophobic by FIFA. The song has repeatedly brought Mexican football into disciplinary trouble. It gained international attention at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil before returning for tournaments in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. Recent developments mean it has now been heard at four consecutive men’s World Cups.
Fans celebrate with Mexico’s players after their team beat Ecuador in a World Cup round of 32 soccer match in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
According to the Daily Mail, the Mexican Football Federation has been trying for years to end the song through support training and repeated appeals to fans, but the efforts have failed. Ahead of the 2026 tournament, the organization launched its latest awareness campaign, “La Ola Sí, El Grito No” (“The Wave Yes, The Chant No”), featuring members of Mexico’s 1986 World Cup team that encourages supporters to join the Mexican wave instead of shouting the obscene chant. Despite their best efforts, the song was said to have been heard since Mexico opened the tournament and was also featured during their win over Ecuador.
Previous sanctions may affect FIFA’s response
Mexico’s governing body has already been criticized for such cases. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) handed down a ruling on FIFA’s lawsuit over the music played at international matches against Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil and the United States in 2024. According to CAS, the anti-discrimination watchdog filed a complaint before FIFA imposed a fine of 140,000 Swiss francs (about $178,000 or $130,457). While the CAS upheld the financial penalties, it ruled out an additional penalty that would have required a section of the stadium to be closed for FIFA-organised competitions. In its written decision, CAS acknowledged that the Mexican Soccer Federation said it had implemented training programs since 2015 to prevent and eliminate the chant. However, the court ruled that the efforts were insufficient. “They found that the behavior of the fans was collective and widespread, not a one-off incident,” CAS said in its ruling. The incidents were also identified by the same system of discrimination analysis that is in operation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup across Mexico, the United States and Canada, meaning that FIFA can review recent reports before deciding whether disciplinary measures are appropriate. Sports journalist Matt Slater of The Athletic said that financial sanctions alone did not solve the problem. “On the one hand, FIFA’s fines are not working. “But, on the other hand, we can’t allow some Mexican fans to keep yelling homophobia every time an oppo player takes a shot. “Restricting yourself and the fans is the best way to deal with this… now would be a good time to start.” Mexico now turn their attention back to the pitch, with a top-of-the-line Round of 16 clash against England awaiting, but if FIFA opens another disciplinary case after what happened at the Estadio Azteca it could be a major distraction as their hosts continue their World Cup campaign.
