During a recent World Cup match, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was subjected to homophobic chants from sections of the Mexican crowd. The incident occurred during England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, where the crowd repeatedly chanted the word “puto” at the goalkeeper during his goal kicks.

Understanding the ‘Puto’ Chant

The word “puto” is a Spanish slur that can be translated as “male prostitute.” Its use in football stadiums, particularly in Mexico, has become a recurring issue, leading to significant fines from FIFA for the Mexican Football Federation. FIFA has imposed fines exceeding £1 million on the Mexican FA due to the persistent use of this chant.

While some, including former Mexican international Marco Fabian, have argued that the term is part of traditional terrace culture and folklore, its classification as homophobic is officially recognized. CONAPRED, Mexico’s government anti-discrimination commission, lists “puto” as a homophobic slur. This stance highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the chant’s intent and impact, with fan groups and anti-discrimination bodies emphasizing its harmful nature.

Fan Group Condemnation

England’s official supporters’ group, Three Lions Pride, in conjunction with Pride In Football, released a statement expressing their disappointment and condemning the chants. The group explicitly stated that the “puto” chant is not banter, tradition, or football culture, but rather an act of homophobia.

The statement read: “We were disappointed to see widespread homophobic chanting at the Azteca on Sunday, aimed at Jordan Pickford. The ‘puto’ chant isn’t banter, or tradition, or part of footballing culture – it is homophobia. No ifs, no buts. It is simply impossible to strip away its history as a homophobic slur.”

This marks the third instance of such chanting by Mexican fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following similar occurrences in matches against the Czech Republic and Ecuador. The fan groups stressed that this repetition is unacceptable.

Call for Stronger Action

The statement from the fan groups also criticized FIFA’s approach to anti-discrimination messaging. “Fifa’s weakening of anti-discrimination messaging in the lead-up to, and during, this tournament has had a noticeable impact,” the statement continued. “As stewards of the game, Fifa have a responsibility to protect it, and to make it the beautiful game for everyone.”

The groups urged the Mexican Football Federation and FIFA to implement more effective anti-discrimination education programs and messaging. They also called for stronger punishments if the chanting persists, emphasizing the need for decisive action to curb such behavior in football.

Jordan Pickford’s Performance and Penalty Saving

Despite the abuse, Jordan Pickford delivered a strong performance in goal during the match against Mexico. The 30-year-old Everton goalkeeper has a history of crucial saves, particularly in penalty shootouts, earning him a reputation as a key player for England.

His penalty-saving technique has been analyzed, revealing a strategic approach. Pickford utilizes a water bottle with notes on penalty takers’ tendencies, but also relies on goalkeeper intuition. He employs a mixed strategy, sometimes diving towards the power side and other times towards the placement side, demonstrating adaptability.

FIFA rules require goalkeepers to remain on the line until the shot is taken, necessitating precise execution of dives. Pickford’s technique involves launching from his back foot, transferring weight forward, and keeping hands active, as seen in his saves against Switzerland, Italy, and Colombia in previous tournaments.

Interestingly, Pickford’s statistics show he performs better at saving penalties in shootouts for England than his overall career average, and also performs better in shootouts compared to saves made during regular gameplay. This suggests he thrives under the pressure of representing his country in high-stakes moments.

Broader World Cup Context

The World Cup 2026 tournament is progressing towards its knockout stages, with several major footballing nations vying for the title. England, buoyed by strong performances from players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, harbors hopes of success. However, formidable opponents such as France, Spain, and Argentina remain strong contenders, while traditional powerhouses like Germany, Brazil, and Portugal have already been eliminated.

The focus now shifts to the latter stages of the tournament, with teams battling for a place in the semi-finals and beyond. The incidents of homophobic chanting underscore the ongoing challenges in eradicating discrimination from international football, despite efforts by governing bodies and fan groups.