As the 2026 FIFA World Cup heads into its knockout rounds, global players' union FIFPRO is calling for stronger action to protect footballers from what it describes as an escalating wave of racist and discriminatory abuse, warning that representing one's country should never come at the expense of personal safety.
The Netherlands-based union issued a statement Saturday saying professional footballers have increasingly become targets of abuse both online and in person during the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
"In recent weeks, players have faced abuse online and in person, much of it racist and discriminatory," FIFPRO said. "There has been intimidation and hostility beyond the pitch. These incidents are not isolated. They point to a systemic pattern that cannot remain an accepted part of football or society."
While the union did not identify specific cases, it said the trend reflects a broader problem that extends well beyond isolated incidents. FIFPRO argued that players deserve the same workplace protections while representing their national teams as they receive at club level, emphasizing that international duty should not expose them to harassment or discrimination.
