The opening whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was blown on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca, where hosts Mexico national football team faced South Africa national football team in the tournament’s opening match.
But even before kickoff, social media conversations across Africa had already been dominated by memes, jokes and trolling directed at South Africa, with many football fans and online personalities openly backing Mexico instead.
For many observers, the reaction appeared unusual. Traditionally, African football fans — especially from Sub-Saharan Africa — tend to rally behind fellow African representatives during the World Cup, regardless of regional rivalries. This time, however, the atmosphere online appeared noticeably different.
South Africa’s 2-0 defeat in the opening match only intensified the trolling, with some users mockingly suggesting the team should be eliminated early and “return home to protect jobs,” a reference many interpreted as linked to ongoing tensions surrounding immigration debates in South Africa.
Football analysts say the backlash is largely connected to the long-standing issue of xenophobia in South Africa, which has periodically targeted migrants from other African countries.
“It tells you a lot when people are even supporting Tunisia over South Africa,” said Moruo King, a Tanzanian football fan and commentator on the Game Time show aired by Dimbani Konekti.
According to Moruo, two major factors are driving the online hostility: xenophobia and the long-running ‘sibling rivalry’ between South Africa and Nigeria.
“Nigerian social media influencers have been among the loudest voices trolling South Africa,” he said, adding that some Nigerians living in Mexico were seen outside the stadium supporting Mexico against South Africa.
“South Africa and Nigeria always compete when it comes to music and football,” Moruo explained. “Each country sees itself as the giant of Africa.”
He added that similar regional rivalries could also emerge when Ghana national football team plays later in the tournament, especially since Nigeria failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup.