Why Many Black Americans Rooted Against Argentina in the World Cup Final
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was, on the surface, a straightforward clash of two footballing giants. But for many Black Americans watching, the match carried a very different weight – and according to a column published by The Guardian, it had little to do with enthusiasm for Spain.
The piece argues that a growing number of Black American football fans used the final as an opportunity to root against Argentina, driven by a series of racist incidents linked to the team’s fanbase and a conspicuous silence from the sport’s biggest name.
A Pattern of Incidents
The Guardian’s column points to several episodes that shaped sentiment in the build-up to the final. Videos circulated during the tournament showing individuals in Argentina team gear directing racial abuse at Black people. Following Argentina’s Copa América victory, members of the national team were caught on camera singing a racist chant targeting France’s Black players – an incident that drew widespread condemnation globally.
American streamer IShowSpeed was also reportedly subjected to verbal racial abuse from fans dressed in Argentina colours during the tournament. Beyond the football itself, the column draws attention to Argentine president Javier Milei, whose political positions – described as closely aligned with Donald Trump – and his public support for Israel amid the conflict in Gaza added a broader political dimension to how some fans viewed the team.
Messi’s Silence
Much of the column focuses on Lionel Messi. The author acknowledges his extraordinary talent plainly –