FIFA ordered a partial closure of Puebla's Cuauhtemoc Stadium for the May 22 friendly between Mexico and Ghana following discriminatory chants during Mexico's previous matches, the sport's governing body confirmed [1, 2]. The measure involved blocking sections of the stadium from public sale, leaving those areas empty during the match as part of FIFA's sanction [1, 2, 3].
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) attributed the sanction to discriminatory conduct by fans at friendlies versus Ecuador and Paraguay in 2025. The FMF said, "The Mexican Football Federation reiterates its commitment to the eradication of any discriminatory conduct in stadiums" [1, 2].
Mexico has faced repeated sanctions from FIFA and CONCACAF over homophobic chants targeting opposing goalkeepers, which have led to stoppages in recent years [1, 2]. Ahead of the World Cup, campaigns appeared in Puebla's stadium promoting respect, with banners stating "Wave yes, chant no" to discourage homophobic chants [1, 2].
The May 22 fixture was part of Mexico's preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match took place at Cuauhtemoc Stadium, which is not among the tournament's host venues [1, 2, 3]. Mexico won 2-0, with goals from Brian Gutierrez and Guillermo Martinez [3].
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre praised teenage player Gil Mora's performance, describing him as "brave, direct, vertical" and saying, "He gives us great joy because he’s Mexican and because he’s back without pain." Aguirre said picking the final squad is "the most complex part of my job" and noted the match was useful for evaluating players ahead of the June 1 deadline to name the World Cup roster [3].
Mexico is scheduled to open the 2026 World Cup on June 11 against South Africa [1, 2].
