As Argentina prepares to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, a surprising sentiment has emerged across Latin America: many are choosing to support the European side. Brazilian journalist Julia Duailibi, who typically writes about politics for O Globo, penned a column explaining why she would not back neighboring Argentina. She cited racist scenes involving a minority of Argentina fans and the silence of the majority as turning her stomach.
Shifting Loyalties in Latin America
Historically, Latin American countries rallied behind regional teams against European opponents. However, Argentine sociologist and anthropologist Nicolás Cabrera notes that this solidarity has eroded. “In the past, people were more likely to support a Latin American team against a European one, but that has changed quite a lot in recent years,” he said. Cabrera, who has lived in Rio de Janeiro for a decade, says the shift began with Argentina’s traditional rivals—Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile—but now extends to Mexicans, Colombians, and Ecuadorians.
Reasons for the Rift
Cabrera points to Argentina’s dominance in recent World Cups, reaching three of the past four finals and winning at least one. Meanwhile, neighbors like Brazil have not reached the final since 2002. Argentina also boasts Lionel Messi, who at 39 remains a standout player. Additionally, increased club matches in tournaments like the Copa Libertadores, which has expanded from about 20 teams to nearly 50, have intensified rivalries. Social media has amplified hate speech, racism, and xenophobia, making discrimination more visible.
Racist Incidents Fuel Backlash
Racist behavior by some Argentina fans has been a key factor. In 1920, an Argentine newspaper published a cartoon depicting Brazilian players as monkeys. Recently, Argentine tourists have been arrested in Brazil for racial insults. During the current World Cup, an Argentine fan was filmed making monkey gestures at a Black Brazilian after Argentina’s win over England. Argentina lacks a law explicitly criminalizing racism, unlike Brazil. In 2024, Argentina players chanted racist and homophobic songs about France players. A well-known Argentine journalist said he hated Mexicans “with all his soul,” prompting Mexico’s president to call the remarks outrageous.
Not All Latin Americans Abandon Argentina
Despite the controversies, some Brazilians still support Argentina. Brazilian historian Fábio Luís Barbosa dos Santos argues that Spain’s colonial past and racist abuse of Vinícius Júnior in La Liga make Spain no better. He supports Argentina due to shared colonial history, dictatorships, and far-right governments. Ride-hailing driver João Felipe Jr. will travel 270 miles from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo to watch the final at an Argentine-founded bar. He believes Argentina deserves to be in the final because of Messi, adding, “When he retires, I’ll stop supporting Argentina.”
