Paraguayan Festival Burns Mbappé Mannequin Amid Post‑World Cup Tensions

Following France's 1‑0 extra‑time win over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup round of 16, the Paraguayan San Juan celebration featured the public burning of a mannequin depicting French captain Kylian Mbappé, marked as "the most hated" figure. The ritual, part of a yearly tradition that targets a controversial public personality, was filmed and quickly spread online.

The incident reignited a dispute that began when Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla posted racist insults against Mbappé. The senator later removed the post and expressed regret, while Mbappé called her "unfit for her office" in a public statement. France's football federation announced it would pursue legal action against Amarilla, and Paraguayan officials condemned the remarks. The burning ceremony thus combined cultural festivity with a flashpoint in international sporting and political relations.