FIFA World Cup 2026 sparks racism debate and fuels rise in Spanish fan merchandise

During the FIFA World Cup 2026, the sport’s Social Media Protection Service reported a sharp increase in racist and discriminatory comments online, surpassing levels recorded at the 2022 tournament. The controversy intensified after former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy suggested the French team lacked “French” players, prompting French Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot to declare, “France has no colour of skin,” and label the remark as racism. French officials and the French Football Federation denounced the comment, while Spanish Minister Ángel Víctor Torres urged that “the best should win and racism should lose.”

Amid the heightened tensions, Spanish retailers promoted a range of World Cup accessories, including nylon flags, 10‑metre garlands, face‑paint kits, vuvuzelas and complete fan kits containing scarves, glasses and wristbands, encouraging supporters to display national colours throughout the tournament.