FIFA has ordered the partial closure of Puebla’s Cuauhtemoc stadium for Friday’s friendly match between Mexico and Ghana after discriminatory chants were heard during the former’s matches, the country’s football federation FMF said.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee imposed the sanction following incidents involving discriminatory behavior by fans during two friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay last year.
“In accordance with the resolution, some sections have been blocked from public sale in accordance with the provisions of FIFA and the stadium operating authorities,” the FMF said in a statement on Friday.
Images shared by the federation showed empty chairs with a banner reading «Wave yes, chant no», part of a new campaign launched this week calling on supporters to stop using homophobic chants ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada.
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Mexico has been repeatedly sanctioned by FIFA and CONCACAF for the chanting, which is usually aimed at opposing goalkeepers during goal kicks. Matches involving Mexico have been temporarily halted in recent years due to the abuse, including the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League final against the United States.
“The Mexican Football Federation reiterates its commitment to eradicating any discriminatory behavior in stadiums,” the FMF added.
The match in Puebla is part of Mexico’s preparations for next month’s World Cup, with Javier Aguirre’s side also set to play Australia and Serbia before opening the tournament against South Africa on June 11.
Published on May 23, 2026
