Some Africans Are Cheering for Mexico Instead of South Africa

 Some Africans Are Cheering for Mexico Instead of South Africa

As South Africa takes the field at the World Cup, not every African fan is behind Bafana Bafana. For some, their support for Mexico has little to do with football and everything to do with memory.

Over the years, South Africa has experienced several waves of xenophobic violence targeting fellow Africans from countries such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique, Somalia, and Ethiopia. The most notorious attacks in 2008 left more than 60 people dead and displaced thousands. Similar outbreaks occurred again in 2015 and 2019.

Many Africans have not forgotten those images.

For these fans, supporting Mexico is a symbolic way of expressing frustration with a country they believe has often failed to welcome fellow Africans. It is less about Mexico and more about sending a message.

Of course, millions across the continent still support South Africa and believe football should rise above politics. But the mixed loyalties show that history matters.

At this World Cup, some Africans are cheering for Mexico not because they are against South Africa’s football team—but because they have not forgotten how some Africans were treated in South Africa.