World Cup: Why Mexico is winning African support over South Africa
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, social media has been flooded with conversations where a section of African fans and diaspora voices are showing massive support for Mexico instead of South Africa, creating a rare and uncomfortable split in what is usually expected to be continental backing for Bafana Bafana under the “Africa for Africa” spirit.
The debate has quickly moved beyond football. Across platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, users from different African countries are showing massive support for Mexico instead of South Africa.
You might also like
The conversation is emotional, shaped by frustration, memory and lived experiences rather than the game itself.
Xenophobia backlash
The primary catalyst is South Africa’s recurrent xenophobic violence targeting African migrants, particularly from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and other nations.
In recent years, attacks on foreign-owned businesses and individuals, often labelled “Afrophobic” have strained relations.
Many Africans view supporting South Africa as endorsing a nation perceived as hostile to fellow continentals. Social media overflows with sentiments like “If we support SA, they’ll say we’re taking their jobs,” reflecting frustration over economic scapegoating and violence that has claimed lives and disrupted communities.
Viral online wave
Social media has amplified this divide dramatically. Content creators from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and across the diaspora have flooded platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook with memes, videos, and calls to “back Mexico.”
Viral reels portray El Tri as underdogs against xenophobia, with creators sharing personal stories or humorous jabs.
Nigerian and Ghanaian influencers, in particular, have mobilised audiences, turning the match into a proxy for broader grievances.
While some voices advocate for African unity and cheer Bafana Bafana’s return after 16 years, they appear outnumbered in online discourse.
On the field, Mexico enters as favourites with home advantage, altitude, and passionate crowds at the Azteca. South Africa, the qualifiers’ surprise package after topping a group with Nigeria, carries an underdog spirit and echoes of their 2010 opening draw against Mexico. Yet off-field sentiment adds emotional weight.
Author
William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
View all posts by William Muthama
