South Africa's World Cup campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, a result that was met with an unexpected torrent of online mockery from across the African continent. Social media platforms were awash with light-hearted memes featuring sombreros, mariachi bands, and tacos, celebrating Mexico's victory. However, this seemingly playful banter carried a darker undertone, reflecting deep-seated anger among many African fans over recent reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Typically, the early stages of a World Cup see a strong display of continental unity, with African nations rallying behind their representatives. This year, however, many fans openly justified their support for Mexico by linking it to the current tensions surrounding migration in South Africa. One X user, citing reports of migrant mistreatment, questioned, "You want people to cheer for you when you play soccer just because we're African?" Another user posted, "We're supporting Mexico so that South Africa can go back home early to protect their jobs," a comment that played on the unsubstantiated claim that foreign nationals are responsible for South Africa's high unemployment rate.
Prominent Kenyan lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi also weighed in, posting, "I hope South Africa is not blaming African migrants for the 2–0 defeat and two red cards in the match against Mexico." Some users went further, playfully embracing Mexican culture for the day by changing their profile pictures to Mexican flags and adopting Spanish-sounding names, often under the caption "Mexico versus xenophobia." Daniel Kaniki, a Congolese football supporter at a fan park in Atlanta, told the BBC, "Africa is like one country and if one is chasing others, we are not a family any more. That's why I am supporting Mexico today."
However, this sentiment was not universal. In South Sudan, fans at public viewing centres in Juba largely backed 'Bafana Bafana', South Africa's national team, citing a strong affinity with South Africa's struggle for independence. Ghanaian Vanlare Quist, also at the Atlanta fan park, expressed his support for South Africa, attributing anti-immigrant sentiment to a minority. He stated he was "a proud African" and believed all African countries should support South Africa at the World Cup.
South African social media users responded robustly to the trolling. One user posted, "We qualified for the World Cup alone without your support and whether we win or lose we will remain South Africans who love their country. And illegal immigrants will still leave our country whether you hate us or not." Another added, "They can support Mexico all they want we are not backing down. Come to South Africa legally." In an official statement, the South African government commended Bafana Bafana for their "spirited performance", acknowledging the score was not ideal but praising the team for representing the nation with "unity, determination, and a sense of pride".
This online backlash comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and violence against migrants in South Africa. Anti-migrant groups have reportedly set a deadline of 30th June for foreign nationals living in the country illegally to leave. President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued warnings against individuals taking the law into their own hands, stating that only authorised government officials can act against violations of the law, but he has also affirmed that illegal migrants must depart.