Xenophobia row spills into World Cup as African social media backs Mexico over South Africa

Online support for Mexico framed as protest

According to IOL, rather than rallying behind a fellow African nation, football fans from several countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, turned the Group A clash into an online statement. The conversation, IOL reports, spread quickly across X and TikTok, where users shared jokes, memes and criticism aimed at South Africa.

Recurring themes and examples

IOL says the “taking our jobs” joke, a phrase often linked to anti-immigrant rhetoric in South Africa, became one of the most repeated themes online. Some users also pointed to Mexico’s reputation as a transit route for migrants travelling toward North America.

Others used the day to playfully embrace Mexican culture, IOL reports, by changing profile pictures to Mexican flags, adopting Spanish-sounding names and joking that Mexico’s national team, El Tri, was “Nigeria in disguise”.

“Dear Mexico, Please don’t pity South Africa, beat them like they are coming to take your women and jobs. Yours sincerely, 53 African countries.” @Theoladeledada

“With all due respect, Nigeria should have been in this tournament. South Africa is TRASH” @EduardoHagn

Voices in defence of South Africa

IOL also recorded social media users defending South Africa. Examples cited include users who said Namibians were “fully behind South Africa” and others who criticised those supporting Mexico over South Africa.

On the field: Mexico win, South Africa finish with nine men

The match result echoed much of the online mood. Mexico won 2-0 at Estadio Azteca, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez. South Africa finished the match with nine players after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off.

What this showed

According to IOL, while Mexico celebrated three points, the online reaction demonstrated how football rivalries can reflect wider social and political tensions beyond the game itself.