Media Kampung – 02 April 2026 | Spain faces scrutiny after anti‑Muslim chants marred a friendly against Egypt, while the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup as the betting favorite.
The match at Barcelona’s RCDE Stadium ended 0‑0, but the crowd repeatedly sang a slogan targeting Muslims, ‘whoever does not jump is a Muslim’.
The chant erupted in the 10th minute, returned fifteen minutes later, and was heard again in the second half, prompting the Spanish federation to issue a warning over loudspeakers.
The warning failed to stop the chants, and many spectators continued to chant or whistle the slogan throughout the game.
The incident was especially sensitive because Spain will co‑host the 2030 World Cup with Morocco, a majority‑Muslim nation.
Spain’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal, 18, was on the pitch when the chants peaked.
Yamal posted on Instagram after the match, calling the chants ‘ignorant and racist’ and urging fans to respect religious diversity.
He wrote, ‘I am a Muslim, thank God. Using religion to mock people in a stadium makes you ignorant and racist.’
Sources close to Yamal said he was visibly upset after the game and left the field without joining the team’s post‑match applause.
Yamal’s background includes a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, and he has spoken publicly about his faith and fasting during Ramadan while playing professionally.
In a 2023 interview with DAZN, Yamal explained that Ramadan does not hinder his performance and that his faith gives him strength.
He also credits his Moroccan grandmother as a major inspiration, delaying the signing of his Barcelona contract until she could attend the ceremony.
The anti‑Muslim episode adds pressure on Spain ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where betting markets list the nation as the top favorite with odds of +440.
England and France follow with +500 and +600 respectively, while South American powerhouses Argentina and Brazil sit at +750.
Spain’s recent record includes winning Euro 2024 without defeat, yet the team failed to progress beyond the round of 16 in the last two World Cups.
Yamal, who will turn 19 the day before the tournament’s opening match, finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting and earned a place in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament.
Analysts expect his performance to be a decisive factor for Spain’s title chances, though the weight of expectations may affect the young star.
The controversy also revived debate over fan behaviour in European football, with anti‑religious chants increasingly condemned by governing bodies.
UEFA and FIFA have tightened regulations, threatening sanctions for clubs and national teams whose supporters engage in discriminatory chants.
The Spanish Football Federation announced it will cooperate with authorities to identify individuals responsible for the chants during the Egypt match.
RFEF President Luis Rubiales said the federation will pursue ‘zero tolerance’ for racism, homophobia and xenophobia in stadiums.
The incident coincides with Morocco’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup final alongside Spain, a partnership that could be jeopardised by recurring racism allegations.
Moroccan officials have warned that any repeat of discriminatory behaviour could damage the joint hosting plan and strain diplomatic ties.
Nevertheless, both nations have reiterated their commitment to a multicultural tournament that celebrates diversity across the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa.
In the broader betting market, Norway appears as a sleeper contender at +2200, driven by the form of Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, despite not qualifying for a World Cup since 1998.
The United States, Canada and Mexico are listed as long‑shots, with odds above 50‑to‑1, yet they remain favorites to win their respective groups.
Spain’s odds advantage reflects a combination of a balanced squad, a recent European title, and the emergence of Yamal as a world‑class winger.
Coaches and players have emphasized the need to focus on football rather than external controversies, urging supporters to channel passion into positive support.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, the Spanish camp will likely implement stricter security measures at venues to prevent a repeat of the Barcelona incident.
The episode underscores the ongoing challenge of eradicating discrimination from sport, while highlighting Spain’s dual role as a competitive powerhouse and a co‑host of a future World Cup.
If the federation succeeds in curbing hateful chants, Spain can maintain its reputation and give Yamal a platform to showcase his talent on the world stage.
Artikel ini dipublikasikan oleh Media Kampung.
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