LGBTIQ+ footballers criticize FIFA ahead of World Cup 2026 in Mexico

Two Mexican footballers – Rodrigo Castillo, known as ‘Rocko’, a cis‑gay player, and Ganda, a transfeminine non‑binary player – say men’s football remains deeply homophobic. They note that none of the 48 national squads at the 2026 World Cup have openly LGBTIQ+ members. Citing FIFA’s past choices of Russia and Qatar, they argue the governing body has a history of hosting tournaments where LGBTQ+ people face persecution.

Rocko told EFE, “El fútbol masculino sigue siendo uno de los deportes más homofóbicos,” and added, “Todo lo contrario: hay una exclusión sistemática de las subalternidades.” They criticize the lack of protective plans in the United States, Mexico and Canada – the three host nations – and point to visa denials such as the Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan. The players call the FIFA promise of a “safe environment” for diversity “pink‑washing” and accuse the organisation of using LGBTQ+ rights for market optics rather than real cultural change. They also highlight FIFA’s multi‑million‑dollar sanctions on the Mexican federation for homophobic chants during matches.